BY FORCE OF IMPULSE 
p s 

635 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 




HARRY V . V O G T 



PRICE, 15 CENTS. 



NEW YORK: 

HAROLD ROORBACH, PUBLISHER, 

9 Murray Street. 




Class PS h , 3 5 . 
Book. . Z fi V 7 5 
GopightN? 



COPVRIGHT DEPOSrr. 



By Force of Impulse. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

MORRIS MAITLAND, A Stern Puritan, with unbending will, whose 
word is law, 

REGINALD MAITLAND, - His Son; one of Nature's noblemen. 

HENRY LOWVILLE, True as Steel; a little soured against the 
female sex, and a hater of "fashionable society." 

RALPH MURDELL, - A polished, smooth tongued scoundrel. 

COLONEL MORRELL, A True Soldier, with a keen sense of duty. 

GEO. WASHINGTON DOLLERCLUTCH, An Eccentric Lawyer 
of the " Old School," who possesses a large, sympathetic heart. 

SAMMY DEWDROP, The Son of a Millionaire; fresh from college, 
full of romantic nonsense. 

ADOLPHUS SOFTHEAD, His Chum, whose mental faculties have 
not kept pace with his physical. 

CORIOLANUS WELLINGTON, Who never smiles, and who thinks 
he was born to fill a higher station in life than that of menial. 

ADRIENNE LOWVILLE, A Proud, Impulsive Beauty, who loves 
not wisely but too well. 

HILDA WALLACE, Her Maid, whose birth is obscure. An inno- 
cent victim of misplaced love. 

ANASTASIA MAITLAND, A Gushing Maiden of Forty-five Sum- 
mers; very susceptible. 

Guests, Soldiers, Etc., Etc. 



SYNOPSIS. 

ACT I. LOVE VERSUS IMPULSE. 

ACT II. THE SEPARATION. 

ACT III. DUTY VERSUS IMPULSE. 
ACT IV. THE RECONCILIATION AND SEQUEL. 

ACT V. DIVINE IMPULSE. 



TMPg2-007595 



By Force of Impulse. 3 

COSTUMES. 

MORRIS MAITLAND.— Act II.— Plain dark suit, white cravat, 
long haired gray wig, quarter bald, close shaven face ; change coat 
. for long wrapper in 3d Scene. Acts IV. and V. — Plain gray business 
suit, light slouch hat. 

REQINALD MAITLAND.— Act I.— Black dress suit, black 
slouch hat. Act II. — Dark traveling suit. Acts III., IV. and V. — 
Uniform of a Private, U.S.A. Cloak to throw over uniform in 4th Act. 

HENRY LOWVILLE.— Act I.— Rich hunting suit, gun, game 
bag, etc. Act II. — Uniform of a Recruiting Officer, U. S. A. Acts 
III. and V. — Uniform of a Captain, U. S. A. 

RALPH MURDELL.— Act I.— Black dress suit, silk hat. Act 
II. — Genteel sack suit, derby hat. Acts III., IV. and V.— Uniform of 
a Major, U. S. A. 

COLONEL MORRELL.— Uniform of a Colonel, U. S. A. 

GEO. WASHINGTON DOLLERCLUTCH.— Acts L and II.— 
Dark pants, dark cutaway coat, white vest, high collar and cravat, 
white silk hat, nose glasses, black crop wig, bald, close shaven face. 
Acts III., IV. and V.— Uniform of a Private, U. S. A. A cloak to 
throw over uniform in 4th Act. 

SAMMY DEWDROP. — Act L— Dark foppish suit, showy 
jewelry, stand-up collar and flashy necktie, cane, glasses, silk hat with 
narrow brim, red crop wig, close shaven face. Act II. — White linen 
suit, small brimmed straw hat with white band. 

ADOLPHUS SOFTHEAD.— Act I.— Dark frock suit, small derby 
hat, very large stud in shirt front, heavy watch chain, large bouquet 
in button-hole, blonde crop wig, close shaven face. Act II.— Light 
sack suit, straw hat with blue band. Acts III. and V. — Uniform of a 
Private, U. S. A. Change coat and cap in 3d Act for a Rebel's. 

CORIOLANUS WELLINGTON.— Act I.— Very seedy suit, a la 
shabby genteel, long haired black wig. Change in last scene to tight- 
fitting black suit, ruffled collar and cravat, white shoe guards, black 
square-crowned hat. Act II. — Same as second change In ist Act, but 
change necktie during Act to a ridiculously large red necktie. Acts 
III. and V. — Uniform of a Private, U. S. A. 

ADRIENNE LOWVILLE.— Act I.— Rich evening dress. Act 
II. — Handsome traveling dress. Acts IV. and V. — Plain white morn- 
ing dress. 

HILDA WALLACE.— Act I.— Very plain black cloth dress, no 
jewelry or ornaments, derby hat ; change in last scene to white aprou 
and frilled cap. Act II.— Same as ist, and change as before in last 
scene. Act IV. — Same as before, with slight changes. Act V. — Plain 
silk dress. 

ANASTASIA MAITLAND.— Acts I. and II.— Old-fashioned 
black silk dress, large bonnet, large parasol and fan, wig with curls. 
Change bonnet in 2d Act for a frilled cap. Acts IV. and V. — Same as 
before with some changes. 



By Force of Impulse, 



PROPERTIES. 

ACT I. — Scene I. — Writing materials, books, etc., on table. 
Lawyer's bag, papers, memorandums, etc., for Dollerclutch. News- 
paper with written paragraph, also sealed letter, writing materials, 
etc., on desk. Baby dress and money for Hilda Wallace, Lunch for 
Coriolanus to bring on. Scene 2. — Sign on tree. Segar-case and 
match-box for Reginald. Scene 3. — Small valise with smelling-bottle 
in it for Coriolanus. Matches for Sammy Dewdrop. Memorandum 
tablet and pencil for Dollerclutch. Card-case for Ralph. 

ACT IL — Scene i. — Bell on table. Knitting for Anastasia. Bun- 
dle and wraps for Hilda. Scene 2. — Roll of draft, pencil and pistol 
for Henry. . Scene 3. — Memorandum tablet, pencil and baby dress 
for Dollerclutch. Letter for Anastasia. Pistol and roll of draft for 
Henry. Basket with broken glass off L. 2 E. 

ACT III. — Card photograph for Reginald. Rebel hat and coat and 
whiskers and pieces of rope in L. 3 E. for Adolphus. Switch in L. 3 E. 
for Coriolanus. Pistol and baby dress for Dollerclutch. Large wallet 
containing two special papers, etc. ; also, six letters for Ralph to 
bring on. Cloak in tent L. 4 E. for Dollerclutch, and one in tent 
L. 5 E. for Reginald. 

ACT IV.— Scene i.— Pen, ink and paper on table. Knitting and 
letter for Anastasia. Scene 2. — Cloak and two special papers and 
baby dress for Dollerclutch. Scene 3. — Candles on table. Letter for 
Adrienne. Ring for Dollerclutch. 

ACT V. — Map on table for officers. Bundle containing letter and 
envelope, with blackened paper and bullet in it, for Coriolanus to 
bring on. Seal ring and Ralph Murdell's left shoulder strap for 
Dollerclutch. Revolver at prompt R. 2 E. Two handkerchiefs for 
Adolphus. One handkerchief for Ralph. 



By Force of Impulse, 



SCENERY. 
ACT I. 

Scene i. — Dollerclutch's Office in 4th Grooves. 



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INTERIOR BACKIffG 



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C. door in flat. Door, R. 4 E. Fireplace, L. 3 E. Window, L. F. 
and L. 4 E. Book-case against R. F. Hat-rack, R. 3 E. Desk and 
chair, L. C. Table and chairs, R. C. 

Scene 2. — A Wood-pass in 2d Grooves. Sign on tree, R. F. — 
♦'Beware ! Do not disturb the Deer. Wm. Lowville." 



By Force of Impulse. 



Scene 3. — (Entire Stage.) — Grounds adjoining Wm, Lowville's 
Mansion. Illuminated by colored lamps. Flat in 5th Grooves repre- 
senting a terrace. The wings represent trees. 



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Fountain, statuary, flower urns, iron chairs, trees, etc. Rustic 
benches, R. 3 E. and L. 2 E. 



By Force of Impulse. 



ACT II. 



Scene i.— Sitting Room in the Maitland Cottage in 4 G. Plainly 
but substantially furnished. Scene backed by wood-scene in 5 G. 
Time, evening. Moonlight effect back of 4 G. 



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tVOOJ> BAC/<//»rCi 



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Large open window, C. of F. Glass doors, R. and L. F. Doors, 
L. 2 E. and R. 3 E. Fireplace, L. 3 E. Table and chairs, L. c! 
High-back chair, R. C. Old-fashioned clock, R. 4 E. 

Scene 2. — Street Scene in i G. 



By Force of Impulse, 



Scene 3.— (Entire Stage.)— Outside of Maitland Cottage. Backed 
by wood-scene in 5 G. Plain cottage, with ivy and roses, on left. 
Time, morning. 



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Picket fence, with gate in C, in the background. Rustic bench 
against tree, R. C. 



By Force of Impulse, 9 

ACT III. 

Camp Scene. — (Entire Stage.) — Scene representing a rocky ravine. 



5. E.R.;' |tewt.| 



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CAMP 

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High set rock, L. 5 E. Cannon and cannon balls, L. 5 E. Tent, C, 
near flat. Tent, R. 5 E. and L. 4 E. Camp stools, R. C. 4 E., R. 4 E., 
R. 2 E., R. C. 2 E., L. 2 E. Camp-fire, R. C. 4 E. Stack of guns, 

R. 3E. 

ACT IV. 

Scene i. — (Same as 1st Scene, 2d Act, with addition of child's crib, 
L. 4 E.) Time, morning. Sunlight effect back of 4 G. 

Scene 2. — ^Wood-pass in i G. Time, night. 

Scene 3. — (Sime as ist Scene.) Time, night. Moonlight effect 
back of 4 G. 

ACT V. 

Camp Scene. — (Same as Act 3d, with addition of table and three 
camp stools R. 2 E.j 



lO By Force of Impulse, 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

The player is supposed to be facing the audience. C, centre. R., 
right. L., left. R.C., right of centre. L.C., left of centre. D., door. 
R.D., right door. L.D., left door. CD., centre door. F.D., door in 
flat. R.F.D., door in right flat. L.F.D., door in left flat, i E., first 
entrance. 2 E., second entrance. U.E., upper entrance, i G., first 
groove. 2 G., second groove. 

R. R.C. C. L.C. L. 



NOTE. 

The character of Coriolanus Wellington, to carry out successfully the 
idea of the author, should be played with an extreme degree of solemnity, 
so as to appear ludicrous. His action should be of the lofty and 
dignified order, but greatly overdrazan, and he should be decidedly 
mechanical in his movements and gestures. 



By Force of Impulse. 



ACT I. 

Scene i : Dollerclutch's Office. 

Enter Dollerclutch, D. R. 4 E., with lawyers bag. He 
empties his packets 0/ papers, etc, , on desk, L. 3 E,, 
while speaking. 

Dol. Now if that isn't confoundedly provoking, I'd just 
like to know what is. There I've been on a ninety- mile 
journey ; and what did I gain ? Nothing, absolutely noth- 
ing, and just to think of throwing away so much money for 
railroad travel, only to have the satisfaction of knowing 
that you have added to the pile of monopoly and have 
nothing in return. Confound these railroad companies 
anyhow ! Honest people subscribe to the stock and build 
them; then come along these ''stockjobbing sharks," who 
corner the stocks and put the road in their vest-pockets. 
And they call that business; but it's only another name for 
d — n robbery. But where is that confounded Coriolanus t 
{Calls.'] Coriolanus ! Coriolanus ! Just like the rascal. When- 
ever you want him, now^here to be found. When he is 
about, what good is he with his stuck up manners and airs? 
Thinks himself born to fill a higher sphere in life. But the 
only thing he's good for is to stand him in the entry and 
use him for a hat rack. Confound him anyhow! {Calls.\ 
Coriolanus! [Listeiis.'] Where the deuce can he be .^ To 



12 By Force of Impulse. 

gratify him I answered an advertisement for a position, 
which, he says, would be more suitable for his intellectual 
and genteel qualities — and, if it is only successful I shall be 
well rid of the rascal. {^Picks up letter.'] Hello ! just the 
thing, by jingo! [Reads.] " Terms satisfactory. If con- 
venient come at once. The position is man-servant ; but, 
as I am away at business during the day, I want a reliable 
and intelligent person to supervise the work about the 
premises, and be a protector to the females." That will 
just please him, and it will just please me to get rid of 
him. [CoRiOLANUS puts his head in C. door. ] 

Cor. Was I mistaken, or did the sound of your voice 
penetrate the cavity of my ear .? 

Dol. Did I call? Well, if that ain't cool! Call? Of 
course I did ! — and why the deuce didn't you come imme- 
diately ? 

CoRioLANus Enters. 

Cor. Because, my dear sir, I was otherwise engaged, 
and I felt assured that you would indulge me to that extent 
and postpone your desires to my especial accommodation. 
Thank you ! [ With a wave of the hand.] 

Dol. Oh ! and how in thunder were you engaged ? 

Cor. [Loftily. ] I was paring my finger nails. 

Dol. Oh! Oh! [Fallsin chair at desk.] This is too much. To 
return travel-wearied and hungry, and be made to wait by 
such a jackass. And I must be at court at ten, and [pulls 
out watch] it's nine now. [Starts up in a rage.] I'll not 
stand it, sir ! I'll throw you out of the window ! 

Cor. [R. C. ] Indeed ! Then I should be at a loss to 
wonder what could be the matter with the door. Stay 
your temper, sir ! It is decidedly unbecoming a man of 
your years. Preserve a calm dignity such as I furnish a 
striking example of. 



By Force of Impulse 13 

Dol. [Disgusted.] There, sir ! [Hands him leiier.] This 
is the gratitude I receive for what I have done for you. 
Read it, and I hope you will have as much joy of it as I 
have in getting rid of you. 

Cor. Thank you ! Thanks ! You have performed your 
duty well. Some day I will return the kindness ; I shall 
engage you as my lawyer. 

Dol. Get out, or I shall be tempted to do you an injury. 
Get your things ready to leave to-night, sir ! I'll not put 
up with your nonsense and impudence another day. Now 
go, sir! and order a lunch for me at the restaurant, to be sent 
here — and mind you see that I am not disturbed until 
court time. I've got more than I can do to prepare my 
cases for this morning's court. I may forget the flight of 
time, in which case you will please come in and remind 
me of court time. 

Cor. Your wishes shall be obeyed. I fly to execute your 
orders. [Exit I). R. ^ E.^ 

Dol. [Ai desk L. 3 E.~\ George Washington, you're a fool 
— your magnanimous nature has suffered you to be im- 
posed upon — you're a — [Coriolanus puts his head in D. R. 
\E.-\ 

Cor. I beg your pardon, sir ! [He Enters. ] In the ex- 
citement of the moment I neglected to inform you that a 
lady called to see you. I informed her that you were out 
of town. She was much distressed at the information. She 
waited for you until eight o'clock, when she left in a state 
of great mental excitement. She's been waiting since six 
o'clock this morning, waiting your arrival. 

Dol. If she comes back don't let her in. Tell her to 
come to-morrow morning. I cannot attend to any more 
business before court. [He busies himself among papers.^ 

Cor. [Bows.'] I fly! [ExitZ>. R. \ E.'\ 

Dol. Egad ! Some people must think lawyers are made 
of iron and work like machines I No ! I'll listen to no 



14 By Force of Impulse. 

more cases before court. I've only got one head and one 
pair of arms. [Coriolanus puts his head in D. R. 4 ^. lo 
CoRiOLANUS.] Well, sir! What now.? 

Cor. [Enters.] She's come back! I delivered 
your message. She wrung her hands and said she came 
eis-hteen miles to see you, and she must return at noon. 

Dol. I can't help it ! She must come another time. I 
positively decline to see any one before court. 

Cor. I quicken ! [Exit D. R. a E.] 

Dol. Some one without money to try to enlist my 
sympathies in helping some scalawag out of trouble. Not 
long ago 1 defended a tramp whom I thought unjustly 
used. I helped him out of the scrape and gave him a bowl 
of soup and some alms to help him on — and how did the 
rascal serve me } He published it about the town, and for 
two weeks I had every tramp from fifty miles around at 
my door begging for soup and alms. You don't get George 
Washington DoUerclutch in such a scrape again. [Sees 
newspaper.'] Hello I what's this.? [Picks up paper andad- 
(usis spectacles. Reads.] " On the Brink of a Civil War." 
Lord bless us ! [Adjusts his glasses.] " Slavery and Anti- 
Slavery." " The Inauguration of Lincoln." Ah! That's 
my man— Old honest Abe ! He'll show those rascally 
slave masters a thing or two before he's done with them. 
[Reads.] "Firing on Fort Sumter." ''Major Ander — " 
[Drops paper.] Hang it all ! I cant get that girl out of 
my mind. What the dickens did she want to say that for, 
anyhow? [^^^^5.] Well! Well! [Picks up paper and 
reads.] "Major Anderson with seventy men, after a brave 
resistance of three hours against five thousand Secession- 
ists, w^as finally obliged to surrender." Eighteen miles to 
see me ? It must be an important case. [Rises to his feet. ] 
Confound it anyhow ! Why did I let it slip ? [Calls.] 
Coriolanus I 



By Force of Impulse. 15 

Enter Coriolanus, D. R. 4 E. 

Cor. You have called ! I have obeyed your summons. 

Dol. Hold your tongue ! Just go at once, and run after 
that girl and bring her back. 

Cor. [B(rws.] I quicken ! [Exit D. R. 4 ^.] 

Dol. Why the dickens does she want to come here 
and upset my peace of mind .? 

Enter Coriolanus, D. R. 4 E He goes to R. C. Doller- 

CLUTCH C. 

Cor. In compliance with your desire, I have brought 
her back and left her on the door-step. 

Dol. You thundering blockhead ! Why didn't you 
bring her up here } Why the devil did you send her away 
in the first place? Here I'm losing all this valuable time. 
Usher her up at once. 

Cor. I quicken ! [Exit Coriolanus, I). R. 4 E, Dol- 
lerclutch busies himself among his papers.^ 

Dol. Perhaps she's a fine rich lady, and I'll have a fat 
case. If not, I'll have nothing to do with her. I'll hus- 
tle her off in short order. I'll crush her with a look. 

Enter Coriolanus, D. R. a E., bowing in Hilda. 

Dol. [Aside, looking «/ Hilda. ] H'm ! No money in her 
case. I'll have nothing to do with it ! 

Cor. [A/E. R. 4 E] My mission I've fulfilled; your 
pleasure I await 

Dol. [7b Coriolanus.] Get out ! Didn't I tell you not 
to let me be disturbed before court? 

Cor. I'll make an honorable retreat. [Exit E. R. 4 E.] 

Hil. [C] I beg your pardon, sir! Are you not Mr. 
Dollerclutch, the lawyer? 



1 6 By Force of Impulse. 

Dol. Now, ain't you ashamed of yourself hanging 
around a gentleman's door and carrying on in such an 
outlandish manner, when I'm so busy, eh ? 

Hil. I am very sorry, sir, but — but — 

Dol. But what? 

Hil. Oh, sir ! I— I— 

Dol. It's no use ! It'll cost you two hundred dollars to 
look at me. Take my advice and go home and leave 
law alone. I dismiss the case. I'll not charge you a cent 
for that advice. Don't you say another word — good day ! 
[ Waves his hand. He busies himself among his papers. 
Hilda wrings her hands. After a pause. ] Well, why don't 
you say something ? What's your name ? 

Hil. Hilda Wallace, sir ! 

Dol. Humph ! Trying to raise a subscription for an 
able-bodied invalid, I suppose .? 

Hil. Oh, no, sir ! I come to see if you could not help a 
poor girl out of a sad trouble. 

Dol. [Aside.] I thought so ! Trying to work the sym- 
pathetic dodge. [To Hilda.] What! Do you want to get 
a divorce ? 

Hil. No, sir ! I came to see if you could find out 
who my parents are, and, also, whether I am married or 
not. 

Dol. Lord, bless us ! The girl must be crazy ! 

Hil. [A/ desk.] Oh, sir! just listen to my story, and 
I know that you will be able to help me in this, my sore 
trouble. 

Dol. [Crosses io R., pulls forward two chairs^ and motions 
Hilda to he seated.] Well, well! go on! [Aside.] 
There's the morning's court business, and not a thing 
done. [Hilda sits L. C. Dollerclutch R. C] 

Hil. I was brought up by a family named Wallace, 
who live in Norfolk, Virginia, and I supposed that I 



By Force of Imptdse. \j 

was their daughter, until a discovery I made two years ago 
convinced me that I was not. 

Dol. [Geiiing interested.^ And what discovery did you 
make ? 

Hil. [Unfolding a package.^ I found this dress hidden 
away in one of the bureau drawers. [Hands it to him.'] 

Dol. Lord, bless me ! Why, it's a baby dress. 

Hil. Yes, sir ! and when I made inquiries about it I 
learned that it was one I wore when a child. 

Dol. Well, there was nothing strange about that.? 

Hil. No, sir ! But on examination, I found these initials, 
A. M., which you see worked in it ! 

Dol. Ah ! yes ! Precisely ! 

Hil. And when I called their attention to it they 
seemed confused and did not know what to reply. I kept 
the dress, determined to find out more, if I could ! 

Dol. And you did .? 

Hil. No, sir! but I learned since that the man I 
married could unveil the mystery which shrouds my 
birth. 

Dol. And won't he enlighten you,'' 

Hil. No, sir ! all my attempts have proved futile. 

Dol. But did you not say that this man was your hus- 
band .? 

Hil. Yes, sir! But he must have some object in keeping 
my identity secret. 

Dol. But how did you become acquainted with this 
man, and how did you come to marry him } 

Hil. He was a regular visitor at our home, and I 
noticed on many occasions that he paid Mrs. Wallace 
money. However, I fell desperately in love with him, 
and w^hen he proposed that we get married, I, of course, 
was only too happy to consent, 

Dol. And his name .? 



1 8 By Force of Impulse. 

Hil. Ralph Murdell ! 

Dol. Ralph Murdell ! Humph ! I don't like the name 
— got a bad sound to it. 

Hil. He took me to a little village in the suburbs 
about four miles from Norfolk, where we were married in 
a little chapel by an old country preacher. 

Dol. And you were happy, I suppose? 

Hil. Yes, until about two weeks later, when he was 
about to leave me. He said he had to go North to attend 
to some business. I would not listen to it, unless he took 
me with him. 

Dol. That's right, my girl ! And he took you, of 
course 1 

Hil. Yes ; but it was on condition that I should keep 
the marriage a secret, and not recognize him in the pres- 
ence of others. 

Dol. And what the deuce was that for .? 
Hil. He said his family were very proud, and he 
wanted to gain their consent before he made our marriage 
public. 

Dol. Oh, the rascal ! And you listened to him ? 

Hil. Yes, sir ! To my sorrow, I did. He recom- 
mended me to a young lady who wanted a lady's maid. I 
accepted the position on his assurance that he would soon 
claim me before the world as his wife. 

Dol. And who is this lady with whom you now are .? 

Hil. Adrienne Lowville ! 

Dol. What ! The daughter of Wm. Lowville, who 
owns Beachwood, eighteen miles from here, on the Essex 
road.? 

Hil. Oh, yes, sir! Do you know him.? 

Dol. Well, rd like to know who don't ! Got a rail- 
road in each pocket. But, about your husband — is he ac- 
quainted there .^ 



By Force of Impulse, 19 

Hil. Alas ! yes ! He is a constant visitor, and I more 
than suspect that his attentions to my mistress imply more 
than he wishes me to believe. 

Dol. {Throws baby dress on table, J?. ^ F.] Oh ! That's 
his game, is it? A case of throwing you over for her, eh? 

Hil. I fear so, sir; for she is madly in love with him, 
and thinks him a saint. When I called him to account for 
his actions, he laughed at me. He then informed me that 
he would do as he pleased, and that I was not his wife at 
all; that ours was a mock marriage. 

Dol. {Jmnps up.] The deuce he did! Oh, the villain, 
to take advantage of a poor innocent girl. 

Hil. [Rises. ] Oh, sir ! but it was legal— it— 

Dol. [DoLLERCLUTCH Z. C. , HiLDAi?. C] Have you got 
your marriage certificate ? 

Hil. No, sir ! I never thought of that, sir. 

Dol. Then, what proof have you ? 

Hil. Alas, none! But, oh sir ! can't you investigate it? 
There surely must be a record kept of all marriages. Can't 
you get a copy of the church register, where it must have 
been entered? 

Dol. That's so ! I never thought of that ! But, my dear 
girl, that will be a difficult matter, now that the country is 
in ^furore and on the verge of a civil war; and it will cost 
money to do it, my dear girl; money. 

Hil. [Crosses to desk L. i E.] Oh, sir ! 1 thought of 
that ! Here are twelve dollars that I saved out of my 
scanty earnings. Won't it be enough, sir? 

Dol. [^C] Enough? Why, it wouldn't pay for dip- 
ping a pen into the ink, to say nothing about the trouble of 
licking a postage stamp. 

Hil. [Sobs.] What shall I do— what shall I do? 

Dol. [Taking out handkerchief.] Take up that money 
and put it in your pocket immediately ! I'll not take a 



20 By Force of hnpulse. 

cent of it. I never was so insulted in my life. [Crosses 
lo R.] 

Hil. [C ] Oh, won't you help me out of my trouble .? 

Dol. Help you.? Of course I will! Who said I wouldn't.'' 
Do you think I'll stand by and see an innocent girl 
wronged in this manner.? No ! I'll see this thing through, 
if it costs me a fortune ! Oh, the villain ! [Dollerclutch 
ai desk, Hilda at table R. 2 E.'] 

Enter CoRioLANus, D. R. \ E., with lunch. 

Cor. Your lunch, sir ! [Puts it 071 desk.'] 

Dol. D— n the lunch ! Get out ! 

Cor. I quicken ! [Exit D. C. Hilda sobs. She picks 
up baby dress from table.] 

Dol. [Down C ] What are you crying about.? 

Hil. I am so grateful to you, sir, for taking a poor girl's 
trouble to heart. 

Dol. Now, don't you be deluding yourself with any such 
idea. This is business, I tell you; business. What do you 
know about business, I'd like to know .? 

Hil. I beg your pardon, sir ! 

Dol. Why do you come and arouse my sympathetic 
heart, and upset all my court business .? 

Hil. Can I do aught, sir.? 

Dol. No — yes — that is — shut up ! Give me that dress ! 
Now, you go back and don't let that husband of yours sus- 
pect anything. [Puts 011 his hat, etc. Dollerclutch at 
desk, Hilda C] 

Hil. Are you going out, sir ,? 

Dol. Hold your tongue ! This is the way I prepare my- 
self for court business; and there's my nice lunch, too ! 
[Stuffs baby dress 171 his bosor7i, leavi7ig a part sticking out. ] 
Now, go home and don't bother me till you hear from me. 
I'm going to take the lirst train for Norfolk I 



By Force of hnpulse. 21 

Enter Coriolanus at door C. 

Cor. It's time to go to court ! 

Dol. D — n the court ! I'll see this thing through. [He 
boils /or the C. door and upsets Coriolanus in his haste to get 
out. Exit through C. door. ] 

Cor. The court is sitting! [Coriolanus C, Hilda Z. C. 
Whistle sce?ie.] 

Scene 2: Wood-pass in the Neighborhood of William 
Lowville's Residence at Beachwood. 

Enter Henry Lowville, J^. 2 E., with gun resting on arm. 

Hen. [^Looking off L. E.'\ The guests are beginning to 
arrive, and I suppose I must, as a member of the family, 
be on hand and help do the honors of entertaining the 
motley crowd. [^Sighs.^ Ah ! how I hate the hollow 
mockery of fashionable society — how I hate to mingle in 
the giddy deception hidden under the guise of polite gen- 
tility—bah ! 

Enter Reginald, L. 2 E. 

Reg. Why, how now, Henry ! One of your melancholy 
fits again ? Ha ! ha ! ha ! [^Shakes hafids.] 

Hen. Yes, confoundedly so ! I've got the blues with a 
vengeance. 

Reg. Come, come, old fellow, shake off this feeling. 
Why, you look as if you had buried your best friend. Come, 
have a weed ! [Offers segar case.] Nothing like asmoke, 
you know, to calm a perturbed mind. 

Hen. [Lights segar.] Yes, there is a certain soothing 
influence about it; that's a fact. 

Reg. Ah ! now you look more like yourself. But how 
is this — why are you not at your post, doing the honors to 
the guests ? 



22 By Force of Impidse. 

Hen. Because I hate these empty shows. What are all 
these receptions but one maze of dissipation, whefe every- 
body seems to outdo the other in silliness ? 

Reg. I agree with you there, Henry. There are many 
sins and much hypocrisy and deceit practiced under the 
veil of studied politeness, and the sacred bond of friendship 
becomes a mere matter of form to further the ends of 
frivolous and sordid desires. 

Hen. And the women ! All deception, heartless, fickle. 
Show me a woman in this gilded age of fashion devoid of 
fashion's impress — devoid of- — 

Reg. Nay, Henry ! You are prejudiced — all women are 
not so. There are still many who possess all the noble 
attributes that Heaven instilled in her heart, that make her 
all that is beautiful and endearing in the eyes of a true 
man. 

Hen. Yes; but artificial show has supplanted her — I 
know not the ideal. 

Reg. Aye ! but I know one. 

Hen. And she is — 

Reg. Your sister Adrienne ! 

Hen. Oho ! I understand. Ha ! ha ! ha ! Well, well, 
there's my hand on it. I give in. There is no one in the 
wide world that I w^ould be more pleased to call brother. 

Reg. \Confused.'\ You misunderstand — you- — 

Hen. Well, well ; so be it. But I had better go up to 
the mansion and make the guests comfortable, and help 
Adrienne complete the arrangements for the grand ball 
this evening. Will you come.? {Crosses to L. Reginald 
to 7?.] 

Reg. Not just at present I want to have a little 
quiet stroll in these grand old woods ; besides, I want to 
finish my weed. 

Hen. Well, I'm off! [Exit Z. 2 ^.] 



By Force of Inipulse. 23 

Reg. As good a fellow as ever lived; with a tinge of 
melancholy in his make-up, and a little bitter against the 
female sex in general. Heigho ! Probably a victim of a 
heartless coquette. Hum ! That awkward slip of the 
tongue has betrayed me. He has discovered my feelings 
toward Adrienne. '[Leans against tree, L. 2 E., in a 
study. ] 

Enter Sammy Dewdrop a7id Adolphus Softhead, R. 2 E. 
They do not perceive Reginald. 

Sammy. [C] Hang it all if T don't think we've lost 
the way ! S^Looks around.] 

Adolphus. \R. C ] Why didn't you listen to me and 
come by the regular road ? Oh, Sammy ! What if night 
should overtake us .? Oh ! oh ! [Sammy scratches his head. 
Reginald perceives them. ] 

Reg. [^Aside.'] Two big school-boys ! 

Sam. Now, look a'here, Adolphus ! How did I know 
we'd get in such a pickle.? \^Sees sign on tree R. E] 
Hurrah ! We're all right ! Here's a finger-post ! [Sammy 
R. C. Adolphus C. Reads .] "Beware!" [Adolphus y«;7z/)s 
in terror.] "Do not disturb the deer." Oh, pshaw ! What 
shall we do? 

Add. I wish I'd stayed home ! 

Sam. It was all your fault that we came. You said 
there would be lots of nice girls there, and we should be 
sure to fall in love with ever so many. 

Reg. Ha! ha! ha! 

Adol. [Scared.] Oh! oh! 

Sam. [Clutches kxiQ\.vm:s fearfully .] What was that.? 

Reg. [Comes forward, smiling. Adolphus R. C Sammy 
C. Reginald Z. C] Gentlemen, you seem distressed. Can 
I serve you .? 



24 J^y Force of Impulse. 

Sam. [^Brightens up suddenly. To Adolphus. ] Oh ! 
you coward, to get frightened like that ! Why c^n't you 
be brave like me ? 

Adol. You were just as afraid as I was. 

Reg. \_Laughs.'] Have a smoke? [Offers cigar-case to 
Sammy. ] It will help to quiet your nerves. 

Adol. [To Sammy, aside.'\ Oh, Lucifer! I never 
smoked in my life. 

Sam. Neither did I ! But we must take one, you 
know ; it isn't polite to refuse — besides, all men smoke. 

Adol. Black as ink ! Strong as old Nick, I bet. 

Reg. You seem to have lost your way. 

Sam. We were on our way to Holly Mansion, when 
we lost our way in this confounded jungle. 

Reg. Ah ! Then I can be of service to you. That is my 
destination, also, and if agreeable, I shall be most happy 
to guide you. [ With mock politeness. Sammy a7id 
Adolphus both try to shake hands with Reginald at once. 
They both speak together.'] 

Sam. You're a trump 

Adol. Put it there, old boy ! 

Reg. This way, gentlemen ! [Exeunt, Z. z E. Whistle 
scene. ] 

Scene 3 : Garden Adjoining Wm. Lowville's Mansion. 

Enter Anastasia Maitland, and Coriolanus with valise, L. 

zE. 

Anastasia. Well, I never ! Not a soul about to receive me. 
And after all that jaunt from the station, too. I declare it's 
an outrage. They could have sent their carriage to the 
station for me, to say the least. If there was somebody 
about, I should feel inclined to faint. [Sits on bench, L. 
Z E.] Coriolanus ! 



By Force of Impulse. 25 

Cor. [At R. C, Bows stiffly.'] Your pleasure, madam ! 

Anas. Get my smelling-bottle out of the valise — be 
quick ! 

Cor. [Flits down valise. ] I quicken ! 

Anas. And there's Reginald ; why was he not at the 
station ? He knew I was coming. [Cgriolanus hands 
smelling-hottle. ] Won't I give him a piece of my mind ! 
[Music heard at distance.] Well, I declare. [Rises.] If 
they haven't commenced dancing already ! Coriolanus, 
go at once and announce my arrival. 

Cor. Madam, I obey ! I will go in advance and have 
the servants to announce us. [Exit R. 2 E.] 

Anas. Announce us I Did I ever see such impudence 
— announce us I Just as if he, a. common servant, was 
such a distinguished personage as I am. Oh 1 it's disgust- 
ing ! [Exit R. 2 F] 

Enter Adrienne a/id Hilda, R. 4 F. 

Adrienne. Did you arrange the flowers on the table, as I 
desired ? 

Hil. Yes, my lady ! 

Adri. [Sits on bench, R. i E.] What a beautiful evening ! 
All nature seems hushed, as if it had gone to sleep on the 
broad bosom of the day. [Sighs.] Hilda, were you ever 
in love t 

Hil. [Standing L. of bench.] Yes — no — that is, I — I — 

Adri. [Laughs. ] Why, you silly little goose. You act 
as if it were a crime to be in love. You tremble like a 
leaf. 

Hil. I — I am cold. The night air is chilly. If you'll 
excuse me, I will go in and get a shawl. 

Adri. Oh, certainly. [Hilda is about to go.] Hilda, 
when you go in, peep into the parlor and see if Ralph— I 
mean, Mr. Murdell, has arrived. 



26 By Force of hnpulse. 

Hil. Yes, madam! \^R. C. Aside.] She loves him; 
she cannot hide it. [Exit R. $ E.] 

Adri. He is late ! What can detain him ? He begged 
for the honor of the first dance. The third has already 
been danced and he is not here. Oh ! how slowly the 
minutes gHde. Ah ! he comes at last. 

Enter Ralph, Z. 2 E. 

Ralph. [Z. of bench.] This is an unexpected pleasure! 

Adri. Truant sir ! This is punctuality ! 

Ralph. Allow me to offer my humblest apologies for 
my offense, and if a life's devotion could repay it, com- 
mand me. 

Adri. Still the disappointment would remain. 

Ralph. Then you were disappointed, Miss Lowville? 
Adrienne ! ^Takes her hand.] 

Adri. Certainly ! [ Wiih draws her hand. ] Why 
shouldn't I be when I was debarred from the pleasure of 
ihe first dance, simply because it was pledged to one 
who did not fulfill his promise .? [Music heard. ] Hark ! 
That's the quadrille I have given to Mr. Maitland. [About 
to go to R. ] 

Ralph. [Takes her hand and gently forces her to bench. ] 
Nay, Adrienne ! Do not go. 

Adri. And would you have me be a truant like you } 
[They sit.] 

Ralph. Yes, because I cannot let you go. Adrienne, 
long have I sought for such an opportunity [Enter Hilda 
R. 4 E.] to pour into your ears the passion that is consum- 
ing me. 

Adri. Ralph, hush ! Some one approaches. 

Hil. [Comes forward C. ] Madam ! Mr. ]\Iaitland was 
inquiring for you for this quadrille. 



By Force of h/iptilse. 27 

Adri. I almost forgot it. [Aside io Ralph.] I'll be back 
presently. [7b Hilda.] Come, Hilda ! [Bo.'h Exeunt R. 
2 E. Ralph Exits L. 2 E^ 

Enter Sammy and Adolphus, L. 2 E. 

Sam. [Looking after the girls. ] Did you see her } Oh, 
what a heavenly being ! ^[y heart goes after her, and I 
guess I'll follow my heart. [^About to rush after. Adolphus 
pulls him back. ] 

Adol. No you don't ! If anybody goes, it's me. [About 
to go. Sammy pulls him back. ] 

Sam. I want to pour my heart in her ear ! 

Adol. And I want to let my soul mingle with hers ! 

Sam. Well, we can't both make love to her at once. I 
have it ! We'll draw lots ! [Pulls matches from pocket. J 
Who draws the short stick proposes first, and if she refuses 
the short stick then the long stick will have a chance. 

Adol. Oh, Sammy ! What a head you've got. 

Sam [Holds sticks towards hxio\.v'i\Ms.^ Draw! [Adolphus 
draws long stick. ] 

Adol. Just my luck ! 

Sam. Ah ! Now, Dolphy, I'll show you how to do it. 
Hush ! She's coming back ! Now you hide behind there. 
[Pointing Adolphus hides behind flower urn, C. ] 

Enter Adrienne, R. 2 E. Sammy falls on his knee. 

Sam. Most adorable angel, whose liquid eyes do pene- 
trate the inmost depths of my entranced soul, listen to one 
who has loved you from his childhood. Fill me with 
ecstasy by the avowal from thy honeyed lips that you will 
be forever mine. 

Adri. [Laughs heartily.] Rise, you foolish boy, and go 
home and tell your mother to put a mustard draft on your 
feet and give you a dose of paregoric. 



28 By Force of Impulse. 

Sam. [Gets up and scratches his head.] Squashed, by 
Jupiter ! [Ife walks to L.] 

Adri. \^R. Aside.] Where is Ralph, I wonder ! 

Adol. [^Coming forward, C. To Sammy.] Go home, you 
foolish boy, and get some paregoric and let Adolphus take 
off the prize. [Adrienne turns. Aboi.vb.vs falls on his knee.] 

Adri. Another proposal ? 

Adol. Fairest of the fair and fairer yet, take this my 
heart and do with it what you like. It's yours forevermore. 
[Enter Reginald, J^. 2 E., who takes Adrienne's place. 
Adrienne i?., Reginald i?. C, Adolphus C, Sammy Z.] Play 
with it, use it for a foot-ball — do with it what you like, as long 
as you take your true Adolphus with it. My father owns 
sixty-eight brick houses, twenty race horses, three hun- 
dred slaves, and one-quarter of an acre of good farming 
land — besides — {^Discovers he is talking to Reginald.] The 
devil ! [^Starts and rushes off L. 2 E, Sammy runs after 
him. ] 

Sam. Who had better take paregoric now ? [Exit Z. 2 
E. Adrienne and Reginald laugh.] 

Reg. Two foolish, overgrown boys, whose mental 
powers have not kept pace with their physical. Pray be 
seated. Miss Lowville. [Adrienne sits, bench R. 3 E. 
Reginald remains standing. ] 

Adri. Mr. Maitland, I owe you an apology. I promised 
you a quadrille, but I regret having disappointed you. 

Reg. Don't mention it. I willingly submit to the dis- 
appointment, since it has afforded me the pleasure of en- 
joying a few moments' quiet conversation with one whose 
amiable disposition and lofty sentiments command my 
profoundest respect and admiration. 

Adri. You flatter me, sir ! 

Reg. Nay, Miss Lowville, believe me, I am sincere. I 
have watched the development of noble traits, the unfold- 



By Force of Impulse. 29 

ingf of a noble character prompted by a pure and loving 
heart ; the expression of high and lofiy thought — all of 
which impressions have sunk so deeply into my being 
that they seem a part of myself. Miss Lowville, I use no 
honeyed words, but I offer you the heart and hand of an 
honest man, who will love, honor and shield you through 
all the walks of life. 

Adri. \^Rises.'\ Mr. Maitland, you honor me with the 
olTer of such a noble heart as yours, and could I accept it, 
I should be proud to wear it in my bosom. Such noble 
love requires a noble love in return. But I cannot. 

Reg. Perhaps — in time- — 

Adri. Alas ! I cannot give you hope. But friends we 
shall ever be. [Reginald turns away.] Will you accept 
the hand of friendship ? 

Reg. Yes ! Yes ! Pardon me ! Friends we shall always 
be. [Exit Adrienne, i?. 2 £\ ] 

Enter Coriolanus, 7?. 4 E. 

Cor. Sir Reginald, your honored aunt awaits your com- 
ing in the conservatory. 

Reg. I will attend her immediately. [Exit Reginald, 
i?. 2 E.] 

Cor. [Coming down C] Coriolanus, I am proud of you 
— you have acquitted yourself nobly — you have made an 
impression upon her maiden heart, I feel assured. She 
recognizes the true nobility that is hidden under the garb of 
the menial. How I hate these clothes ! Oh ! Anastasia, 
thou know^est true worth when thou see'st it. [ Wa/ks to 
right.] 

Enter Dollerclutch, L. 4 E. Comes down C. 

Del. Well, I've got here at last, and if I can only man- 
age to meet Hilda. But how shall I contrive to see her.? 



30 By Force of hnpulse. 

[Looks around and sees Coriolanus. ] Ah ! there's one of 
the servants ! Til question him. [To CoRiOLANUsr] Hey, 
there, you clown ! Come here. [Coriolanus /ur?is. ] Corio- 
lanus, by all that is wonderful. Well, this is particularly 
gratifying. But, how is it that I find you here ? Have 
you left the other place ? 

Cor. I am a visitor here 1 I have escorted Miss Hait- 
ian d to the grand reception. 

Del. Oh ! I thought you were going to say you owned 
this place. However, you are just the person to do me a 
little service. Run to the mansion and tell Miss Lowville's 
maid to step out here a moment, that a gentleman wishes 
to speak to her. [Coriolanus abou/ to go i?i high dudgeon. ] 
Hold on ! That wpn't do — it will attract attention — a few 
lines will be better. [Pulls out tablet and writes. '\ 

Cor. [Aside.] I'm no common servant! Such impu- 
dence, to ask a gentleman like me. No, thank you ! [Exit 
in high /iudgeon, P. 2 E.'\ 

Dol. There, I guess that will do ! [Folding up ?iote.] 

Enter Anastasia, F. 2 F. 

Dol. Here, you clown, take this note and mind — 

Anas. Sir 1 

Dol. The devil ! [Aside.] Where did that infernal ras- 
cal get to ! [To Anastasia.] I beg a million pardons, 
madam! [Aside.] Confound that rascal! [To Anas- 
tasia.] Pray pardon me, madam — a mistake, I assure 
you — mistook you for another. 

Anas. Oh I 

Dol. [Z. Aside.] W^hat an amiable creature ! 

Anas. [F. Aside.] What a charming personage, and so 
very polite — Hem ! 

Dol. Did you speak, madam ? 

Anas. Such a beautiful evening ! 



By Force of Impulse, 31 

Enter Ralph, L. 4 E. He pauses at C. 

Dol. Why, yes ! and doubly so since the arrival of such 
charming^ simplicity. 

Ralph. Ha ! ha ! ha ! yComes down C. Anastasia and 
DoLLERCLUTCH are startled. Anastasia Exits R. 2 E., with 
great dignity. ] 

Dol. [Z. ] Were you laughing at me, sir? 

Ralph. Yes ! at the picture of charming simplicity. 
Ha ! ha ! ha ! 

Dol. Hem ! perhaps your name is Paul Pry.? 

Ralph. Perhaps it is ! [ With a shrug. ^ If you have any 
grievance, there's my card. [Hands him card, and is about 
to go. ] 

Dol. [Looks at card. Aside.] Ralph Murdell .? — the 
devil ! [To Ralph.] Well, I thought you were either a 
Paul Pry or a villainous rascal ! 

Ralph. [Turns suddenly.] What did you say ? 

Dol. I say we are often mistaken. [Crosses to R. Aside.] 
rU keep my eyes on you, my fine bird. [Exit R. 2 E.] 

Ralph. [Looking around.] Where is Hilda.? I did not 
like the look in her eye ! I must be careful, or she will up- 
set all my plans. She comes. 

Enter Hilda, R. 2 E. 

Ralph. You are late ! 

Hil. I am, sir ! but not too late for what I have to say. 
Think you I will stand calmly by and witness your villainy 
and allow you to deceive another as you have basely de- 
ceived me } No ! If I am not your wife in law, I am in 
the sight of Heaven, and I dare )'ou to make another 
victim. 

Ralph. [L., aside.] I must pacify her somehow. [To 
Hilda.] Hilda! [Takes her hand and leads her to bench 



32 By Force of Impulse. 

L. 3 E. Enter Adrienne in background R. 5 E. She 
listens behind statue L. A E.] I have repented saymg those 
harsh words. I did not mean it. It was in anger I 
spoke. 

Hil. Oh, Ralph ! if I could only believe you. 

Ralph. You can; and if you could but look into my heart 
you would know that you, and you only, are the one for 
whom its pulses beat. 

Enter Reginald and Anastasia R. 2 E. Adrienne comes 
down C. majestically. Ralph and Hilda rise. Anas- 
tasia R., Reginald R. C, Adrienne C, Ralph Z. C, 
Hilda Z. 

Adri. Reginald Maitland, you offered me your heart and 
hand and I refused. I have reconsidered my refusal. If 
you still honor me with the offer, I accept. [Tableau. 
"Knt&T all quickly. Dollerclutch, R. ^ E. Coriolanus, R. 2 
E. Sammy and Adolphus, Z. 3 E. Hilda a?id Anastasia 
faint. Anastasia falls into the arms of Dollerclutch. 
Coriolanus looks on with envy. Sammy and Adolphus try to 
support Hilda. Comic business. Reginald accepts Adri- 
enne's hand eagerly. Adrienne, with heaving bosom, ma- 
jestically dejiant to Ralph. Ralph disconcerted. ] 

Reg. Adri. 

DoLLER. Ralph. 

Anas. Sam., Adol. 

CoRio. Hilda. 

R. L, 

a 

Quick Curtain. 



By Force of Impulse. 33 



ACT II. 

Scene i : vSitting Room of the Maitland Cottage. 

Anastasia discovered knilting, seated at table^ L. C. Corio- 
LANUS at door, R. 3 E. 

Anas. Coriolanus, have you ordered the carriage to the 
station .? 

Corio. Your orders have been obeyed, madam ! [ With 
bow. Crosses to C. ] 

Anas. Then everything is in readiness for the reception 
of the bride and groom. You may retire, Coriolanus, and 
be pleased to announce them as soon as they arrive. 

Corio. I will hold myself in readiness to gratify your 
desires. [Goings aside.] The darling creature ! She can- 
not trust her feelings when alone in my presence. Every 
look, every action, speak of the great admiration she has 
for me. 

Anas. Well ! ^Impatiently, ] Will you go .' 

Corio. I quicken ! [Exit D. R. ^ E.] 

Anas. The stupid dolt, with his stuck-up manners. I 
hate him ! I wonder whether Mary has attended to the 
room. {Goes to door, L. 2 E., and calls.] Mary! Mary! 
\Mkk^ answers off entrance, "Ma'am."] Have you tho- 
roughly aired Reginald's apartments ? [Mary, as be/ore, 
** Yes, Ma'am." Anastasia c/oses door.] So ! Reginald and 
his bride will soon be here, and they will find everything 
well regulated, thanks to my personal supervision. I 



34 By Force of Impulse. 

can't say that I like Reginald's choice. The bold thing, to 
throw herself upon a man like that, and before e\^rybody, 
too ! It's outrageous — not a bit of maidenly modesty — I 
shall hate her, I know I shall. And Reginald was so 
pleased to accept the proud thing. What fools men are ! 
Well, well ; I hope the dear boy will not be disappointed 
in her and live unhappily. \^She sighs heavily and resumes 
knitting.A^ What a strange thing love is, to be sure. Who 
could that stranger have been I met in the garden — such a 
splendid man ! So full of good sense ! So polite ! Oh, 
perfectly lovely ! I could fall in love with such a dear 

man. [Enter Morris Maitlaxd, D. R, 2 E.] I 

Morris ! 

Mor. [C] Not yet arrived? H'm ! The train must 
be late. Has the carriage gone.? 

Anas. Yes, brother ! I gave Coriolanus strict orders to 
attend to it ! 

Mor. Well, I suppose they will get here in good time. 
But it's getting late — past nine o'clock. [At fable, L. C. ] 
Sister, you will do all in your power to make Reginald's 
wife comfortable and receive her with the respect due the 
wife of my honored son. 

Anas. I will do my part, IMorris, provided she does 
hers. But I'm afraid Reginald has made a poor choice. 

Mor. Sister, you are prejudiced. Reginald is an honest, 
sensible and dutiful son. Although her connections are 
very aristocratic, more so, in fact, than I could cordially 
approve, yet, I have faith in him to believe that his choice 
has been wise, and that she will prove an honor to my son 
and the pride of his father's heart. 

Anas. Well, I have no more to say. I hope that she 
will fulfill your expectations. 

Mor. She is now my daughter and shall receive a hearty 
welcome into the bosom of our famil3^ 



By Force of Impulse. 35 

Enter Coriolanus, D. R. 3 E. 

Corio. Reginald and Adrienne Maitland ! [Morris at 
L. C. ; Anastasia rises and goes io fireplace, L. ^ E.^ 

Enter Reginald, Adrienne and Hilda, D. R. 3 E. Hilda, 
R., Adrienne, R. C, Reginald, C, Morris, Z. C , An- 
astasia, Z. 

Mor. \Emhraci?ig Reginald.] My son ! welcome to 
your paternal home. 

Reg. Father, allow me to bring to you a daughter, my 
wife. [Leads her io him, then crosses to shake ha?ids with 
Anastasia. ] 

Mor. My daughter, welcome to our humble home — re- 
ceive the blessing of— 

Adri. [Coldly.'] Thanks ! You honor me. [Crosses 
to Z.] Reginald, [wearily] I am tired. [Morris retreats 
painfully. Anastasia exchanges looks with him and draws 
herself loftily erect.] 

Reg. Adrienne, my aunt — Miss Maitland. 

Adri. [Bows haughtily.] We've met before. [To 
Reginald.] Conduct me to my room. [Reginald bows. 
Exeunt Adrienne a?id Reginald, D. L. 2 E. Hilda fol- 
lows with wraps, etc. Morris crosses to R. Sinks i?i 
armchair R. of table.] 

Anas. H'm ! I thought so ! An iceberg. Proud ana 
dignified. Above such humble surroundings ! Brother 1 

Mor. My son ! my son ! 

Anas. Did I not tell you .? Perhaps you'll give me cred*' 
in the future for a little sense. 

Mor. [Stertily.] Anastasia! Leave me. 

Anas. Well, you needn't bite my head off because I 
spoke the truth. [Exit in dudgeon, D. R. ^ E.] 

Mor. My fondest expectations blighted. Heaven grant 
they will be happy ! but — [shakes his head] I doubt it — I 
doubt it. 



36 By Force of Imptdse. 

Enter Reginald, D. L. 2 E. He approaches fable slowly. 
Morris rises and turns away. 

Reg. Father ! 

Mor. {Turns suddenly and embraces him.'] Oh, my son! 
I had such hopes for your future happiness 1 But alas ! 

Reg. Why, father, can you for a moment doubt it? 
[Morris shakes his head.] Adrienne is fatigued — worn 
out — weary from travel. Our journey has been extensive. 
In the morning she will be herself again. 

Mor. I sincerely hope so, my son ! but I fear you have 
made a great mistake. You may have loved well, but I 
fear too unwisely. 

Reg. Father, you are mistaken in Adrienne. She is all 
that is noble — as free from deceit and the taint of the world 
as a child unborn. No, no, father ! she is all that an 
honorable man could wish. 

Mor. For your sake, I wish I could think as you do, but 
I cannot. Did she love you as a wife should, she would 
honor her husband so much as to show her respect, at 
least, to his father. 

Reg. You had a right to expect a warmer acknowl- 
edgment of your welcome. But consider her fatigue. 
Time will command the respect and love due her husbands 
father. 

Mor. Love is a spontaneous outburst of the heart. It is 
not of gradual growth. It takes not time to discover true 
innate worth in a person. Love detects it at a glance, 
and time only confirms the first impression. My son, is 
she all that you desire ? 

Reg. Yes, father, all. 

Mor. And are you sure that she loves you ? 

Reg. [Con/used. ] Yes, father — that is — I — 

Mor. Why this confusion ? 

Reg. I think she does. 



By Force of Impulse, ^ 

Mor. Think? Why, did she not tell you as much ? 'I 

Reg. Father, we will not discuss this subject any fur- 
ther. Suffice it to say that she is my wife, and I have 
sworn to love and honor her till death do us part, and I 
will do my duty, sir ! 

Mor. So be it, my son ! and ma^/ Providence, who 
watches over us all, grant you a happy life. Heaven 
bless you, my son ! [^Clock slrikes.] The hour for retiring 
is at hand. You will call your wife to attend our 
usual family devotion in the library ere retiring for the 
night. 

Reg. I attend your pleasure ! [Exit D. L. 2 E. Morris 
strikes bell o?i fable.'] 



Enter An astasi a, /bllowed by Coriolanus, D. R. 3 E. Cor- 

lOLANUS R. , AXASTASIA C. , MoRRIS Z. 

Anas. Shall I call Reginald's wife ? 
Mor. Reginald has gone to do so. 
Anas. Oh ! 

Mor. Please retire to the library; I will follow shortly. 
[Exit Anastasia, /allowed bjy Coriolanus, D. R. $ E.] 

Enter Reginald, B. L. 2 E. Morris crosses to R. C. 

Reg. [L. C. ] Father, Adrienne wishes to be excused ; 
she is too tired ! 

Mor. My son, you know the laws of this house. All 
the members of the family must attend family prayer. 
This law has ever been kept inviolate by my ancestors, 
and it shall not be broken in this instance. You will in- 
form your wife that I insist upon her attendance. [Exit 
Reginald D. L. 2 E. Morris walks the floor. 1 



38 By Force of Impulse, 

Enter Adrienne quickly, D. L. 2 E., followed by Reginald. 
She crosses to table, L. C. Morris R. C. 

Adri. Sir, in answer to your request, I asked to be ex- 
cused; nevertheless, you insist upon a sacrifice of my 
own inclinations and desires. In this matter, I wish to 
inform you, I will suit my own pleasure. Good-night, 
sir ! [ Going. ] 

Mor. Madam, I respect your desires, and as the wife 
of my son, I honor you. But there are certain rules in 
this household from which there is no departure, and 
this is one. From time immemorial has this custom 
been a law at our fireside. As you are now a member 
of our family, I ask of you, [Adrienne turns away] nay, 
I beg of you, be not the first to violate this rule. 

Adri. [Haughtily. ] I refuse to comply ! 

Mor. [Sternly.] Then, madam, you compel me to 
assert my authority. As the master of this house, 1 
insist upon your attendance at family prayer ! 

Adr. [Drawing herself erect.] Sir! 

Reg. [At fire-place. ] Father ! 

Mor. Nay ! I command you ! 

Adri. [To Reginald.] Will you stand by and allow this 
indignity 1 

Reg. Adrienne — I — 

Mor. [Crosses to D. R. $ E.] Enough! 1 await your 
presence in the library. [Exit B. R. 3 £. Adrienne 
sinks into chair on R. of table. Reginald in a pleading atti- 
tude. Whistle scene.] 

Scene 2: A Street in is/ Grooves. 

Enter Ralph, L. i E. 

Ralph. Confound it, I cannot bear it any longer. This 
wandering around, nursing my wrath, is becoming unen- 
durable. After having won her love, to be snatched from 



By Force of Impidsc, ^o 

me by that infernal Maitland — curse him! — and all 
through that she-devil, Hilda — curse them both ! Oh ! I 
could tear them to pieces ! 



Enter Henry, R. i E., in officer's ufu'form with paper in 
hand. Ralph turns away. 

Hen. [Aside.] Ralph Murdell ! I never liked the looks 
of that man. [To Ralph.] Hello! Lost your tong-ue .? 
IJ?. C] 

Ralph. [C] No! but I lost something else! 

Hen. Lost a love, perhaps ? 

Ralph. No ! I've lost my temper ! 

Hen. [Aside.] Was spooney on Adrienne I [7b Ralph.] 
Well, Lm glad you lost it ! 

Ralph. Glad I lost what.? 

Hen. Your temper. 

Ralph. Oh ! I didn't understand. 

Hen. Why, if you lost your temper, you are well rid 
of it, and ought to be jolly. But you look as if you 
had it still. Ha ! ha ! ha ! 

Ralph. Confound your jokes ; Lm in no humor for 
levity. 

Hen. No, I guess not. But where have you kept 
yourself buried.'' I have not seen you since my sister's 
Grand Ball. I suppose you know she's married to Mait- 
land ? 

Ralph. Yes ! yes ! I wish her much joy. What are you 
doing in that uniform.? 

Hen. Oh ! I've enlisted in the army and was made a 
recruiting officer. There is going to be a hot time. The 
rebels have taken possession of all the prominent mili- 
tary stations in the South. And when Lincoln made a 
call for three hundred thousand volunteers, I could not 



40 By Force of Impulse. 

resist the desire to do my duty and help preserve the 
Union. Besides, I was getting tired of the lazy, drone- 
like life of society. 

Ralph. And are you seeking volunteers? 

Hen. Yes ; besides, I am looking up a lot of individ- 
uals whose names I have here. 

Ralph. Volunteers.? 

Hen. No ! The President has ordered a draft to be 
made for men, and I am on the look-out for some. 

Ralph. Have you got me down in the draft.? 

Hen. No ! You are one of the lucky ones ! 

Ralph. Indeed ! But it would have pleased me if you 
had. Still, you can accept me as a volunteer. 

Hen. [Aside.] H'm ! his disappointment has made 
him desperate. [To Ralph.] You surprise me, Mur- 
dell — you have more patriotism than I gave you credit 
for. 

Ralph. This sort of life is too tame for me. I long for 
excitement ! 

Hen. [Hands him papef and pencil ] You will please 
sign here ! 

Ralph. [Signs paper.] And when shall I report for 
duty .? 

Hen. To-morrow morning at ten o'clock, at head- 
quarters. 

Ralph. All right ! I'll go and make the necessary 
preparations. I shall be on hand. [Exit R. i E.] 

Hen. [Crosses to Z. ] I'm glad Adrienne did not marry 
that chap, for I did think that she thought a great deal 
of him. But you can never tell anything about women. 
They never do what you think they will. However, I am 
more than pleased that things have turned out as they 
did. A better or truer man never lived than Reginald 
Maitland. 



By Force of Impulse. 41 

Enter Sammy and Adolphus arin in arm, R. i E. They do 
not perceive Henry. 

Sam. I for one am getting discouraged. I've proposed 
to twenty-three women in two weeks and been rejected 
twenty-three times. \yiY.^'^Y examines paper.'] 

Adol. And I've been rejected as many times as I've pro- 
posed. If I only had the courage I'd drown myself. 

Sam. And if I only had the chance I'd enlist. But come, 
let us drown our troubles in a glass of soda water. [Going 
towards L. \ E.] 

Hen. Halt ! [Sammy and Adolphus clutch each other in 
terror. ] 

AdTl 1^^' ^^' [Adolphus ^2^^ Sammy C. Henry Z.] 

Hen. [7b Sammy.] Your name ! 

Sam. Sammy Dewdrop ! 

Hen. Right! [7b Adolphus.] xAnd yours? 

Adol. Adolphus Softhead ! 

Hen. Right again ! Gentlemen, I am happy to inform 
you that you have been drafted ! [Sammy and Adolphus 
collapse, terror-stricken.] 

Adol. Oh ! I shall die ! 

Sam. {Trying to brace up, hut shakifig like a leaf.] Why 
don't you take it bravely like me.'' [7b Adolphus.] 

Adol. I can't. I'll never come back alive — I know I 
shan't 

Sam. {Brightening up suddenly.] I have it. Happy 
thought. [7b Henry.] But they won't take me — I am in 
the last stage of consumption. {Coughs.] And they don't 
take consumptives. 

Adol. {Eagerly.] And I have got — {Beckons Henry to 
come nearer — he whispers in his ear. ] 

Hen. Very well, gentlemen. If that is so, you are ex- 
empt. [Sammy and Adolphus elated, about to go.] Halt ! You 



42 By Force of Impulse. 

will first accompany me to headquarters, where you will 
be examined by the doctor ; and then, if yoa are in the 
condition you say you are, you will be allowed to go. 
[Sammy and Adolphus get weak in the knees. ] 

Sam. [To Adolphus.] It's no use, Dolphy, the jig's up! 

Adol. Why was I born ? 

Hen. About face ! Forward, march. [Exeunt all L, 
I E. Whistle scene.] 

Scene 3 : Outside of the Maitland Cottage. 
Enter Hilda, Z. 2 F. 

Hil. Oh ! what shall I do ! my mistress is so unhappy. 
She is pining- away day by day, and all for love for that 
worthless villain, Ralph. Oh, if I could only unburden my 
heart to her and tell her all ! If she only knew how base 
he is she would not grieve so. Sometimes, when I see her 
silent despair, I feel tempted to tell her all. But I promised 
to keep silent until I heard from Mr. DoUerclutch. I fear 
he also has deserted me. Here comes my mistress ! I 
will avoid her ! I cannot witness her misery — my heart 
goes out to her. [Exit ^. 2 Jl.] 

Enter Adrienne, Z. 2 Z'. She is veiy pale. Sits on bench 

R. a 

Adri. When will this torture end .? Could I but recall the 
fatal words that doomed me to a loveless life ! I can only 
blame my impulsive nature. I knew not what I did — I 
was mad — and I must suffer the bitter consequences. Oh, 
cruel, cruel fate ! [Her head sinks on her arm, which is rest- 
ing on hack &/bench.^ 

Enter ^loKKis/rom cottage on Z. 

Mor. [At L. r.] IMadam ! 



By Force of Impulse 43 

Adri. [Starts and rises haughtily.] Your pleasure, sir ! 

Mor. There is a matter I wish to speak to you about. 

Add. Proceed, sir ! 

Mor. It is about my son. [Adrienne braces herself.] 
Until your advent into our family all was peace and sun- 
shine ; but now all is mystery and clouds. And you, 
madam, are the cause of this condition of affairs. [Adri- 
enne /r6'55es her hand to her heart.] I speak in behalf of 
my son. Since his marriag-e to you I have noted a 
chang-e in him. There is something weighing heavily on 
his mind. 

Adri. And has he sent you to plead his cause } 

Mor. No, madam ! He has defended you in every 
particular ; he has tried to hide the true state of affairs. 
His sense of honor is so high that he would not listen to a 
word against your action. His vow at the altar is sacred 
to him ; he would suffer anything without a murmur, and 
he will ever defend his wife from the sneers of the world. 

Adri. Will you enlighten me, sir, as to the nature of my 
offense .? 

Mor. You have destroyed the happiness of my son's 
life. He cannot hide the disappointment of his honest 
heart from the searching gaze of a father. 

Adri. Sir ! It is best that we understand each other. I 
decline further to listen to your upbraidings. You have 
no right to question my actions. I forbid you ever to 
broach this subject again. The die is cast. I know my 
duty as a w4fe ; and to my husband, and to him alone, 
will I hold myself accountable for my actions. [Exit 
majestically L. 2 E. Morris looks after her. ] 

Enter Anastasia, R. 2 E. 

Anas. Brother Morris, I'll not put up with it any longer. 
Things are getting to be in a pretty strait when a person of 



44 By Force of Impulse. 

my standing must submit to such snubbing — yes, brother, 
I repeat, snuhhing. 

Mor. Don't bother me ! [Exit into cottage.'] 

Enter Dollerclutch, gate C. 

Anas. [Looking a/te?- Morris, angrily.'] Well, I never ! 
another snub ! 

Dol. [DownR.] Ahem! 

Anas. [Turns suddenly.] There's that sweet man again. 
[She affects shyness.] 

Dol. I beg your pardon, madam ! but allow me to ex- 
press my pleasure in being so fortunate as to meet your 
lovely self under such auspicious circumstances. 

Anas. You flatter me ! 

Dol. By no means, madam ! — by no means. That is 
something I would not be guilty of. What I said came 
from the heart, madam — from the heart ! Do you under- 
stand } 

Anas. I think I do, sir ! [Aside.] Perfectly captivat- 
ing ! 

Dol. Allow me to conduct you to a seat, you are tired 
suinding. [He leads her to befich R. C. They sit at each 
end of hench and gradually move up closer to each other dur- 
ing the i,:'bsequent dialogue. Comic business. ] 

Anas. [Aside.] I believe he is going to propose ! If he 
does, I'll accept him on the instant. 

Dol. [Fidgeting.] Madam, I — I — really I have not the 
pleasure of your name. 

Anas. Anastasia Maitland, sir ! 

Dol. Anastasia ! What a beautiful name ! 

Anas. Thank you ! 

Dol. And so appropriate to your charming self. It v.'ill 
always remind me of an angel. 

Anas. Did you ever see an angel •! 



By Force of Intptilse. 4^ 

Dol. Yes, many a one — but they were all painted ! 

Anas. Oh ! But I really forgot what you said your 
name was ! 

Dol. George Washington Dollerclutch, at your service, 
madam ! You may call me Father of my Country Doller- 
clutch for short. 

Anas. Such a grand name ! It is so poetical ! 

Dol. {Nudges up closer. '\ Ahem ! 

Anas. [Aside.] The declaration is coming! I will fall 
in his arms as soon as he makea it. 

Dol. Madam — I- -I — [Pulls out baby dress instead 0/ 
handkerchief and wipes his face.] 

Anas. My heart goes pitti-di-pat 1 [Sees baby dress.] 
Oh ! [She turns away.] 

Dol. [A^otices it for the first time. Aside.] Confound it! 

1 thought I had my handkerchief. [71? An astasia. ] I beg 
your pardon, madam I [Puts it aivajy and gets his handker- 
chief Anastasia smiles sweetly and bows her head.] Ahem! 
as I was going to say — 

Enter Coriolanus, L. 2 E. , 

Dol. You are — you are — [.Se^s Coriolanus. ] The devil! 
[Starts up. Coriolanus holds himself proudly erect. Anas- 
tasia Exits with dignity ijito cottage.] 

Cor. [Aside.] A rival.? 

Dol. Playing the eavesdropper, eh! [Aside,] I'll bounce 
the rascal ! [Leaps upon him suddenly and runs him off R. 

2 E.] I'll teach you better manners. [ Walks dowji stage.] 

Enter Hilda, R. 2 E. 

Dol. Don't come back or I'll — [Sees Hilda.] Oh ! 
Hil. [Comes forward quickly.] Oh, sir! You have come 
at last. What news have you — is it good or bad? 



46 By Force of Impulse. 

Dol. My dear child, I have both good and bad. I 
have searched the church register, but found no fecord of 
the marriage. 

Hil. Alas ! Then I have no hope. {Sohs.\ 

Dol. [Pulls oul handkerchief.] Now don't you cry — if 
you do I'll throw up the case. [She continues to sob.] 
Didn t I tell you my news was both good and bad? 

Hil. [Looks up hopefully.] Yes ! Yes ! 

Dol. But I found that about the time you were married 
a leaf was torn out — and V\\ stake my life that it was the 
record of your marriage. 

Hil. But who could have done such a thing .? 

Dol. I strongly suspect that infernal villain of a husband 
of yours, to hide the evidence of your marriage to him ! 

Hil. Then I am lost ! for he surely must have destroyed 
it. Oh, what shall I do— what shall I do ! 

Dol. Shut up ! If you get me all excited, I'll have noth- 
ing to do with it. I don't believe he has destroyed it at all, 
but has it in his possession. I'm going to do a little detect- 
ive work, and I warrant you that I'll spare no money to 
gain my point. I said I'd see this thing through, and hang 
me if I don't go my length in it. 

Hil. Oh, thank you, sir ! 

Dol. Now listen to my plan. [Noise heard, L. 2 £.] 

Hil. Some one approaches ! Let us walk on a piece, 
where there is no danger of being overheard. [Exeunt 
Hilda and Dollerclutch, J?. 2 E.\ 

Enter Axastasia, L. 2 E., with letter in hand. 

Anas. [Looks around. ] I have written a few lines to 
the dear man, just to encourage him a bit — he seemed so 
confused. I will leave it here on this bench. [Lays it on 
hejich R. C. ] He will surely come back and find it. George 
Washington Dollerclutch ! Oh ! he must be a brave man to 



By Force of hnpnlse. 47 

have such a grand name ! \^Noise heard, R. 2 JS.] I hear 
footsteps ! It must be he returning — I'll retire for a few 
moments. [Exit L. 2 E.'\ 

Enter Coriolanus, R. 2 E. 

Cor. How dare he lay violent hands upon me — a gentle- 
man of nobility ! I cannot suffer such indignity to pass un- 
noticed. [Sees letfer on befich.'] What s this ! a letter? — 
and her handwriting, too ! [Reads.] *'To one I love'' — 
hem ! that's me ! [Opens it — reads.'] ''Thou adorable one 
with the brave sounding name," — she likes my name! 
**Ever since our first meeting have you made the pro- 
foundest impression upon my heart. " — I knew it! "Maiden- 
ly modesty has prevented me from making an open ex- 
pression of my affection. My heart expands within my 
bosom. If you love me wear a red necktie and smile upon 
me when next we meet. With all maidenly reserve, I am 
yours, A. M." I will procure the necktie at once, and pre- 
pare to satisfy the longing of her heart with the knowledge 
that her love is returned. [Exit Coriolanus, L, 2 E.] 

Enter Henry, ga/e C. 

Hen. [ Wi'/h draft in hand. ] I think I have secured all 
the persons in the draft but two, and they are Coriolanus 
Wellington and George Washington Dollerclutch. That 
Dollerclutch has led me quite a chase — been looking for 
him two days. Wherever I've looked for him I was in- 
formed he had just left. I believe the rascal is dodging 
me. But I guess I'm sure of the other chap — he's a ser- 
vant here with Adrienne's father-in-law. Til go in and 
secure him. [Exit into cottage.] 

Enter Dollerclutch and Hilda, R. 2 E. 

Dol. Now you leave everything in my hands and I'll see 
that I bring you through your trouble all right. I've got all 



48 By Force of Impulse, 

the points on this paper. Now go into the house before we 
are discovered. Til soon bring the smiles back again. 

Hil. Oh, thank you ! Heaven bless you for befriending 
a helpless girl. [Exit Hilda into cottage. ] 

Enter Anastasia, L. 2 E. Dollerclutch puts paper into 

pocket. 

Anas. [Aside.] He has just read my letter. Ahem! 

Dol. [Turns.] My dear madam! Pray be seated ! [Leads 
her tohe7ich R. C] I regret extremely that our last inter- 
view was so abruptly terminated by the advent of that 
ignorant jackass — 

Enter Coriolanus, L. 2 E., wearing a ridiculously large red 
necktie. He strikes dignified attitudes and tries to attract 
Anastasia's attention to it. He tries to smile — but they are 
very sickly smiles. 

Anas. [Stares at Coriolanus. ] Oh I 

Dol. [Aside.] There's that confounded idiot again. Look 
at the grinning hyena. 

Anas. Well, I never ! The man must be crazy. 

Dol. [Rising.] Madam! with your permission, I will 
crush the rascal. [Anastasia nods asse?it. Dollerclutch 
bounces him — they struggle off L. 2 E. Sound 0/ broken 
glass. Dollerclutch returns, his clothes ruffled. ] I guess 
I fixed him that time — I landed him in the hot-house. 

Anas. [Admiringly.] I knew you were a brave man ! 

Dol. Well, I must say I am rather proud of my bravery. 
I was not named George Washington for nothing. 

Enter Henry /row cottage. 

Hen. [Aside.] At last! [To Dollerclutch.] George 
Washington- Dollerclutch, I beg to inform you that you are 
drafted. You will accompany me to headquarters. 

Dol. [Terror-strickeit.] Oh, Lord! 



By Force of Impulse. 49 

Enter Coriolanus, Z. 2 E.^ face and hands cut—his clothes 
disordered. Anastasia R., Dollerclutch R. C, Henry 
C. , Coriolanus Z. C. 

Cor. What ! I calmly submit to this outrage ? Never 1 
I'll tear him to pieces. 

Hen. [Seizing- Coriolanus.] You are drafted to help 
preserve the Union. [Coriolanvs is frighte7ied. During tht 
above Anastasia pa7itomimes to Dollerclutch to follow her 
and escape. Exit Anastasia R. 2 E. Dollerclutch about to 
follow her. Henry se^s him and points revolver at him.'\ 
Halt ! [Dollerclutch turns and sees revolver and is 
frightened.^ Advance three paces — halt ! About face ! 
[Coriolanus takes position on his right.'] That will do. Now, 
gentlemen, before we go to headquarters, you will accom- 
pany me into the house until I get some lunch ; then we 
will proceed on our journey. Left face ! Forward march ! 
[Exeunt all into cottage.'] 

Enter Adrienne, followed by Reginald, Z. 2 E. 

Reg. Adrienne ! 

Adri. [R. C. Turns. ] Your pleasure, Reginald ! 

Reg. [Quietly, but firmly.] Adrienne, I desire a few mo- 
ments' conversation. What I have to say is for your ears 
only ! 

Adri. Proceed, Reginald. I hear you ! 

Reg. Adrienne, the time has come when I must speak — 
I can no longer bear the cold, dignified reserve with which 
you treat me — your husband. There is a motive for all 
things — and there must be a motive that prompts your 
action. We are man and wife, and open candor and frank- 
ness should exist betw^een us. 

Adri. Have I not fulfilled my duty, sir ? Have I not 
shown you the honor and respect that you have a right 
to demand from a wife ? 



50 By Force of Impulse. 

Reg. You have honored and respected me, Adrienne, but 
I have a right to expect even more. 

Adri. I do not understand ! 

Reg. I have a right to expect your love ! [Adrienne 
retreats a step, her hand pressed to her heart.'] Yes, Adrienne! 
Marriage is a holy act which ought to be based on the 
rock of love ; else it becomes a sordid and disgraceful bar- 
gain, devoid of sacredness and heavenly sanction. \^She 
recoils. ] When I led you to the altar it was with the firm be- 
lief that our marriage would be a holy and sacred bond, 
founded upon the eternal principle of love. But your man- 
ner since has caused me to doubt the sincerity of your 
heart. 

Adri. {Haughtily. ] Did I, when I accepted your hand, 
say that I returned your love ? 

Reg. No 1 In my eyes you were an ideal woman, of 
the highest and noblest sentiment — devoid of worldly ambi- 
tion and desire. That was sufficient. Could I then 
doubt the feeling which actuated your acceptance of my 
heart and hand ? [Slight pause.] Adrienne! say that I am 
not disappointed in you — say that your sacred vow at the 
altar, " to love, honor and obey," was not a hollow sham — 
speak, Adrienne, speak ! [Pause. Reginald turns away. ] 

Adri. [Recovering slowly.] I will be honest with you, 
sir ! You have a right to know. Could I but recall those 
fatal words that bound me for life to one I can never 
love, I would willingly lay down my life. I refused you 
when you first offered yourself, because I loved another. 
When I witnessed his perfidy, a few moments later, in a 
fit of pique, I accepted you. When I recovered from the 
mad impulse that swayed my being, I awakened to the 
misery into which I had plunged myself, and I almost 
hated you for tempting me to this agonizing bondage. 

Reg. [ With intense feeling suppressed. ] Madam, the die 
is cast 1 You bear my name — you are my wife — that can- 



By Force of Impulse. 51 

not be recalled, for that is recorded above. You will ever 
receive at my hands the respect that is due my wife. I 
shall provide for and protect you as long as He, in His 
good mercy, does grant me life. You will always find 
this, my paternal home, yours to enjoy. 

Adri. [Alar?ned. ] What would you do .? 

Reg. Madam, it must be evident to you that my hopes 
in life are blighted; that I would not weary your sight 
with the presence of one who would be a constant re- 
proach to your misery and folly. I will leave you. Per- 
haps the day may come when your heart may change 
and turn toward the husband. If so, the words, "Res-- 
inald, I love you — come back," will bring to your bosom 
the husband, who will always be true to his sacred vow 
at the altar. [^Crosses to L. ] 

Enter Henry, Dollerclutch and Coriolanus, followed by 
Anastasia, Morris a?id Hilda, from cottage. Henry 
hack of bench, R. Dollerclutch and Adolphus, R. 
Morris and Anastasia, up C. Hilda crosses to Adri- 
ENNE. Adrienne ^5 overcomc. She sinks on bench, 

R. a 

Reg. [To Henry.] Henry, accept a new recruit, who 
is ready to fight for the preservation of the Union and 
protect the Stars and Stripes. [Takes roll and pencil and 
sig7is it.~j 

Adri. [Starting up^ with outstretched hands.] Reginald, 
stay ! 

Hen. Too late ! [Adrienne faints. Hilda attends her 
at be?ich, R. C. ] 

Tableau. 

doller. corio. 

Hen. Morris. 

Hil. Adrl Reg. Anas. 

Curtain. 



52 By Force of Impulse. 



ACT IIL 

A Lapse of Four Years. 

Scene i ; A Camp in the Army. 

Discovered at rise of curtain : Henry in Captain's u?iiform, 
and Reginald as a private, both seated on camp-stools^ 
R. 2 E. CoRiOLANUS, as private, sitting near the fire, R. 
C. Dollerclutch, as private, asleep in front of tent, L. 
4 E. Adolphus, as p7'ivale, doing sentinel duty, L. i E. 

Hen. When did you hear from home last, Reginald ? 

Reg. A week ago. 

Hen. And how is your little Alice? 

Reg. When last I heard, she was well. Oh, Henry ! 
she is the only joy in my life. The future of my child 
is the ©nly thing that keeps me from despair. I live in 
hopes that I shall one day clasp my child to my bosom. 
Oh, the yearning of a father's heart ! And now that we 
are so near to her, I almost feel tempted to shirk my 
duty and satisfy the longing to see my beloved child. 

Hen. We are only six miles away from your home, I 
believe you said.? 

Reg. Yes ! day by day have we been drawing closer 
to it. And it is nearly four years since I left the scene, 
never to return to it again. \_He turtis azvay.^ 

Hen. Reginald, I sincerely sympathize with you in 
your trouble. [Takes hitn by the hand.^ Adrienne has 
wronged you deeply. She 



By Force of Impulse, 53 

Reg. [Checks him.^ Henry, she is your sister, but do 
not forget that she is my ivi/e. I cannot hsten to her 
condemnation even from you. 

Hen. Well, Reginald, I respect your wishes. But cheer 
up ! I have faith to believe that all will be right again 
— that some day will see you reunited and happy. 

Reg. [Shakes his head. ^ This will be my only happi- 
ness, Henry. [Shows picture of child. '\ 

Hen. Is this the picture of my niece.? Why, she doesn't 
look a bit like Adrienne ! 

Reg. No ! the resemblance is to 7ny family. I can now 
readily understand why my father wrote to me, soon after 
the child's birth, asking the privilege of naming it. She 
bears a striking resemblance to my little sister. 

Hen. Your sister ! I never knew you had a sister ! 

Reg. No ! because that is the skeleton in our family 
closet. Her name was Alice. When but three months 
old she was stolen from the cradle. All effort to recover 
the child proved fruitless. Her disappearance has since 
remained a mystery. Grief over our loss brought my 
mother to an early grave. My father sacrificed his all in 
the hope of recovering the child, but all his efforts proved 
unavailing. This happened eighteen years ago, and we 
know not whether she be living or not, but we mourn 
her as dead. 

Hen. And had you no suspicion as to who stole the 
child.? 

Reg. None. My father did not think ne iuid an enemy 
in the world. 

Ken. Strange ! very strange ! The ways of Providence 
are mysterious, and we must bow with resignation to His 
Divine Will. One moment, Reginald. [To Adolphus.] 
Adolphus ! 

Adol. [Salutes. ^^ Captain, I await your orders. 



54 I^y Force of Impulse. 

Hen. Go to the officers' tent and inquire whether the 
mail has arrived. 

Add. ISahdes.'] All right, Captain! [Exit Z. \ E,^ 

Hen. [Tb Coriolanus. ] Coriolanus ! [Coriolanus rises 
and salutes.'] Take his post as sentinel! [Coriolanus 
salutes and takes his post. To Reginald. ] It is remarkable 
what a change there is in Adolphus. When I drafted him 
I thought he would make a poor soldier, he was so cow- 
ardly ; but he has turned out to be one of the bravest 
men in the regiment. A soldier's life has made a man of 
him. 

Reg. It has, indeed ! I have often wanted to ask you 
what ever became of his chum, Sammy. I thought you 
had drafted him, also. 

Hen. I did ; but he had plenty of money, and fur- 
nished a substitute. I wish the mail would arrive. 
\^Rises. ] By the way, Reginald, did your last letter men- 
tion anything about any of the rest of your household.? 

Reg. {Rises.^^ For instance, Hilda.? Ha! ha! ha! Oh, 
you sly rogue ! Henry, I remember a conversation we 
had, when you asked me to show you a woman devoid 
of fashion's frivolities — ha ! ha ! ha ! Perhaps, now you 
can show one — ha ! ha ! ha ! What ! Henry, the recluse, 
the woman-hater, in love with a woman ? Wonderful ! 
Ha! ha! ha! 

Hen. Well, I'll acknowledge the corn ; but I didn't 
know a sensible woman until I met Hilda Wallace, 
whose quiet and unassuming manners struck the chord of 
affinity in my nature. 

Reg. [ Takes him by the hand. ] Well, well, I'm glad of the 
transformation, and I hope your future will not be marred 
by disappointment. [Dollerclutch snores.^^ 

Enter Adolphus, L. i E. 

Hen. [7b Adolphus.] Well.? 



By Force of Impulse. 55 

Adol. [Salutes.] The mail has not arrived, Captain! 
[Reginald Exits i7ifo tent, C. Dollerclutch snores. ] 

Hen. Pshaw ! just tickle that fellow with your boot ! 
[Adolphus about to do so. ] 

Dol. [Dreaming.] Oh, Anastasia ! [Adolphus, L. C. 
Henry, C. Dollerclutch asleep, L. Coriolanus, down 
Z.] 

Hen. Listen ! He's dreaming ! 

Dol. Anastasia, beloved ! oh, fly — fly to my arms ! 

Hen. Ha ! ha ! ha ! I wonder whether she's got wings ? 
[Dollerclutch talks again.] But, listen ! 

Dol. [Starting.] The rebs are coming — the rebs are 
coming! Where shall I hide myself? I'll be killed if I 
stay here. [Sits upright. ] Don't shoot ! [He fights im- 
aginaiy rebels.] Don't shoot — don't ! [Awakes.] 

Hen. Look out ! the rebs are coming ! Ha I ha ! ha ! 

Dol. [Getting on his feet. Aside.] Confound it all! I 
must have been dreaming. 

Hen. Ha ! ha ! ha ! We've found you out at last, old 
Dollerclutch. You are a braue man, George Washington. 
I thought I never did see you when we went into an 
engagement — now I can account for it. 

Dol. [Z. C. ] Sir ! I have always been where the fight 
was thickest. 

Cor. [Aside.] After it was over. 

Hen. Fou mean George Washington was — but I mean 
George Washington Dollerclutch. 

Dol. Sir ! Do you mean to insinuate that my bravery 
is a matter of doubt .'* You wrong me, sir! You wrong 
me, I can assure you. My deeds of valor have saved the 
day many a time — many a time. Do you understand.? But 
my modesty won't allow me to speak of them. Even in 
my childhood was I noted for my bravery. I took Mrs. 
Winslow's soothing syrup with the most unflinching cour- 



56 By Force of Impulse, 

age. Nothing would delight me more than a hand-to- 
hand encounter with a whole regiment of reb'els. I 
would glory in the chance, sir ! I have smelt powder 
many times. \^He shoots off his revolver, smells the smoke 
from the barrel, and st?-uts the stage. Henry whispers to 
Adolphus and points to Dollerclutch. ] 

Adol. lAside to Henry.] All right, captain; I under- 
stand ! [He steals off cautiously, L. 2 E. Henry beckons to 
CoRiOLANUS to follow him, eiijoining caution. Exeunt, R, 2 
E, All this is done unperceived by Dollerclutch.] 

Dol. To take me for a coward — bah ! Gentlemen, you 
don't know! you — [Turns and finds them gone.~\ Hello! 
where the deuce did they go .? [Looks around in the differ- 
e7it tents. ] 

Enter Adolphus, L. 2 E., in a rebel suit, with gun and false 
whiskers. He is not noticed by Dollerclutch. Adolphus 
brings his gun to shoulder and points it at Doller- 
clutch. 

Adol. [L. C] Halt, and surrender. [Dollerclutch at 
tent, R. 5 E. He turns suddenly in a fright — his knees 
knock together — he raises his hands aiid tries to speak.^ 
Don't move a muscle or I'll bore you. 

Dol. [C. ] Don't shoot ! Oh, please don't shoot. Please, 
Mr. Rebel, I have sixteen small children. Oh ! consider 
what will become of them when I am taken from them ! 
[Adolphus drops his gun. Aside. ] Ah ! that melted him ! 
[Adolphus raises gun again. ] Oh ! oh ! 

Adol. Remove your cap ! [Dollerclutch complies with 
all. ] Place it on the ground. Take off your coat. Place 
it with your cap ! [Adolphus takes off his cap and throws it to 
him.'] Put it on ! [Takes off his coat and throws it to 
Dollerclutch.] Put it on ! [He gathers up Doller- 
ciXTcn's clothes.] Now sit down. [Dollerclutch ^oes/c?/' 



By Force of Impulse. 57 

stool ] No, no, on the ground ! Take hold of your toes 1 
Now sit there till I come back. [Exit L. 2 ^.] 

Dol. {Looking around.^ This is the toughest scrape I 
was ever in. The camp has been surprised by the rebels. 
They are all captured. Oh, Anastasia, Im done for ! 
Enter Henry, R. 4 ^. , >/te'^c/ ij^ Coriolanus. Adolphus 
re-enters, L. 2 E., in his regular uniform. 

Hen. [CoRiOLANus i?., Henry R. C, Dollerclutch C, 
Adolphus L. C. Pounces upon Dollerclutch.] I've got 
the rebel, boys. Get some cords, quick ! [Adolphus gets 

them, L. '^ E.^ 

Dol. [Struggling ] Hold on, Captain ! Let me go ; it s 

me! • , XT ' 

Corio. Let's hang the rebel to a tree, Captani ! Hes a 

spy ! . ■■ 3 

Dol. I tell you. Captain, it's me— don t you hear me.-' 
Adol. Let's tie him to a stake and riddle him with 

bullets. . 

Corio. lAside.^ I'll get even with him now for the m- 
dignity he heaped upon me four years ago. 

Dol. [Struggling.] Oh! 

Hen. I'll tell you what we'll do ! We will give him a 
sound switching first. Then we'll hang him for a spy. 

Corio [Eagerly.] Let me do the switching, Captam. 
[Gets switch, L. z E. Aside.] Lll give it him hot 1 

Dol. Oh, Lord ! I shall die ! [Coriolanus returns.] 

Corio. Now, you rebel, [cuts him with switch] how 

does that feel ? 

Dol. You infernal rascal ! I'll- [Coriolanus cuts him 

agaifi.] Oh ! 

Corio. Fits close, eh ? [Cuts again.] 

Dol. [Struggling.] Oh! oh! [Pleads.] Good Corio- 
lanus, please-please don't! [Coriolanus cuts again.] 
Oh ' Don't you know vour old friend, Dollerclutch .? 



58 By Force of Impulse. 

Corio. Dollerclutch ? You ? Oh, no ! you're not Dol- 
lerclutch. Dollerclutch is a brave man. Oh, no ! you're 
a black-hearted rebel. ^Cufs him again.] 

Dol. Oh ! oh ! 

Hen. [7b Coriolanus.] Hold! Let me look at him ! 
Ha ! ha ! ha ! It is Dollerclutch, by all that's wonderful ! 
[i?e/e^ses Dollerclutch. ] Ha! ha! ha! a good joke! 

Dol. [Rises to his feet.] A joke, sir? Do you call that 
a joke .? But, I'll now give you an exhibition of my 
bravery, sir ! [Pounces suddenly upon Coriolanus. They 
struggle off, L. 3 E. All laugh. ] 

Add. I guess we've taken the conceit out of him, 
Captain ! 

Hen. Yes, I hope it will prove a wholesome lesson to 
him. 

Enter Ralph, L. 2 E., with letters, which he pulls from his 
poctzet. A large wallet drops unnoticed by him from his 
pocket, near stool, L. 2 E. 

Ralph. [C] Good afternoon, Henry ! 

Hen. [Aside.] The mail at last! [To Ralph.] Good 
afternoon, Murdell ! The mail.? 

Ralph. [R. C] Yes! [Sorting letters.] Any news from 
the front ? 

Hen. Yes ! Grant has flanked Lee and is pressing him 
hard. 

Ralph. Good ! He'll worry him out soon. [Hands 
letter to Henry. ] 

Re-enter Dollerclutch, L. i E.\ Coriolanus, L. 2 E. 

Hen. Thanks, Major ! [Retires up stage and reads 
letter.] 

Ralph. [Reads from envelope.] Adolphus Softhead ! 

Adol. [Co??ies forward.] Thank you. Major ! [Salutes, 
and retires up stage reading. J 



By Force of Impulse. 59 

Ralph. l^As he/ore.^ George Washington Dollerclutch. 
Dol. \Comes down.'] That's me, Major! \^He takes 
letter^ salutes and sits on stool, near which pocket-hook lies.'] 

Enter Reginald, from tent. 

Reg. [/?. C, to Ralph.] Anything for me, Major? 

\_Salutes. ] 

Ralph. [Coldiy.'] Yes! {Hands him letter:] 
Reg. Thank you, Major! [Salutes and retires upstage 
reading. ] 

Ralph. [^Looking after him. ] Curse him ! How I hate 
him ! The proud fool ! Satisfied to remain a private ! If 
he'd accepted promotion, as it was offered him from time 
to time, for his gallant bravery in the field, he would be 
my superior officer. As it is, he prefers to remain a private, 
because, as he says, his ambition does not aspire to receive 
the plaudits of his country. The commanding officers 
cannot find praise enough tor his heroism in action. 
Curse him ! [To Henry on right.] Lowville, you will 
meet the officers in a half hour from now, for consultation. 
Hen. All right, Major! [Exit Ralph, Z. 2 E.] 
Reg. [Looking at letter.] And yet no word from 
Adrienne ! [Exit into te7it, R. ^ E.] 

Dol. [At stool, L. 2 F., reads.] "I long for the time 
w^hen this cruel war is over, when I may receive my brave 
Dollerclutch to this maiden heart. " Oh ! this cruel war, to 
keep such fond hearts apart ! Hello ! Here is somethino- 
on the other side — [reads.] " Hilda tells me to write you 
that she has not forgotten you, and God bless you ! " No, 
nor have I forgotten her ! Poor girl ! I've watched him 
and pumped him, but I can't find out anything — he's as 
close as an oyster with— ^[Sees wallet 071 growid.] Hello ! 
What's this.? [Picks it up.] "R. M." Why, it's his! 
[Looks around.] H'm ! I'U investigate! [Opens it and 



6o By Force of Impulse. 

pulls out papers. He unfolds one aiid jumps up exQi'/edly.] 
Hurrah ! Hilda's marriage record, by the jumping jingo ! 
[He looks around, places it in his pocket?^ Good ! [Unfolds 
another.'] H'm — 'tis part of a letter — [reads] "of old 
Maitland" — something torn off and then — "of old Mait- 
land" — [reads further] "Revenge is sweet. I can fancy 
how he grieves for his lost Alice ! " [Studies. ] Maitland ! 
The devil ! That's Reginald's name ; but he says old 
Maitland — he's young; but he's got a father. Of course he 
has, and he's older than he. Certainly he is ! How stupid 
I am ! [Studies again.] H'm ! [Pulls out baby dress from 
his bosom and examines initials.] A. M. ! [fumps up.] 
Eureka! by the jumping jingo! A. — Alice! M. — Mait- 
land ! That's Hilda's name, I'll stake my life ! Here 
comes the rascal back. [Dollerclutch puts letter in his 
pocket hastily — he leaves the wallet on the ground, where he 
found it — goes a little up stage and appears interested in his 
own letter.] 

Enter Ralph, Z. 2 E., as if hunting for something, 

Ralph. Confound it ! I must have dropped it when I 
puUed those letters from my pocket ! [Sees wallet on 
gyound.] Ah ! Here it is ! safe ! What a fortunate thmg it 
did not fall into anybody's hands ! Good ! I'm a lucky 
dog! [ExitZ. 2 E.] 

Dol. [Comes down and looks after him.] Yes ! and I'm 
a luckier dog. I can go you one better, my chap. George 
Washington, you did that slick — you're a trump ! But how 
shall I get these papers to the poor girl 1 Confound it, I 
can't send them to her for fear they'll fall into his hands 
again. If I keep them he'll soon discover his loss and in- 
stitute a search. If I hide them, until the war is over, 
I might get shot by an infernal rebel, and then how will 
the poor girl know about them ? Now, this is a dilemma ! 



By Force of Impulse. 6i 

{^Studies.'] I have it ! It is only five or six miles to the 
place. I'll take them myself. I'll wait till dark, then I'll 
slip away. I can be back in three hours ! [Sudden 
thought. ] What if my absence should be discovered ? Then 
I'll be in a pretty pickle ! Court-martial — probably shot for 
a deserter. Ugh! [Sudden determination.^ I'll risk it ; I 
promised to see this thing through, and, hang it, George 
Washington Dollerclutch will stand by his word. 
Besides, I'll have a chance to see my charming 
Anastasia. That'll nerve me in the undertaking. 
[Retires up stage and Exits into tent, L. 4 E. During the 
last speecJi the stage is gradually darkened. Henry comes 
/o7'ward, C] 

Hen. Dollerclutch ! [Dollerclutch sticks his head out of 
tent. ] You will serve as sentinel on the high rock for the 
night. Maitland, relieve Softhead. [They salute and go to 
their respective posts. Dollerclutch on high rock, L. 5 E. 
Reginald, Z. \ E.\ This is going to be a dark night. 
I'll turn in. [Exit Henry, L. 2 E. The rest retire to their 
tents.'] 

Del. Now for my journey ! [He comes down, gets 
a cloak from tent, L. 4 Z'., and steals aivay cautiously, 

Reg. [L. C. In a study.'] "Adrienne has taught httle 
Alice to pray for you." How strangely my father's words 
move me ! Perhaps — but no ! no !— that will never be ! 
Adrienne must be forever dead to my yearning heart. 
When I entered the army I thought I had buried the joy of 
life forever. But love for my child has sprung from the 
ashes of my forlorn hopes, to cheer my drooping heart, 
like the oasis to the weary traveler of the desert. Oh ! the 
longing of a father's heart ! What would I not give to see 
her — speak to her. Oh ! I feel as if I could not resist the 
temptation to go and have if but one look. Yes, yes — a 



62 By Force of Impulse. 

soldier's life is uncertain — it may be the only opportunity 
to cast my eyes upon my darling Alice ! 

Enter Ralph, Z. 2 E. He pauses. Reginald at C. 

Reg. I cannot resist the impulse. I must see my child ! 
[Exit hurriedly into tent, L, 5 E. Ralph watches him cau- 
tiously.'] 

Re-enter Reginald />-o;;z tent with cloak, and Exit hurriedly, 

R. aE. 

Ralph. What does this mean .? Maitland leaving his 
post .? He acts strangely, too ! I'll follow him and see 
what he is up to. At last I have the opportunity to 
humble his pride in the sight of the commanding officers ! 
\He follows Reginald, R. a E.'\ 

Quick Curtain. 



By Force of Impulse, 63. 



ACT IV. 

Scene i : Sitting-Room in the Maitland Cottage. 

Anastasia discovered seated knitling atiahle, L. C. 

Anas. War, and war, and war — and nothing but war ! 
What earthly sense can there be in a lot of men standing 
up to be shot at, I'd like to know ? Men making targets of 
themselves for others to practice shooting at 1 If they 
w^ant to shoot so bad there are enough shooting galleries, 
where they can bang away to their hearts' content. But 
that's just the way with the men. They always will be 
doing things they ought not to. If the women only had 
the control of the Government, there would not be 
any war — never ! Everything would be peace and har- 
mony. 

Enter Morris, D. R. 3 E. 

Mor. [R. C] Good morning, sister ! Where is my little 
darling Alice ? 

Anas. Out in the garden with her mother and Hilda. 

Mor. [^A7ixtously.^ I am almost afraid to let them ven- 
ture out of the house for fear there might be some rebels 
lurking in the neighborhood. 

Anas. [Drops knitting and riscs.'\ Good gracious, 
brother Morris ! There is no danger of the fighting coming 
so close.? 

Mor. It is hard to tell how it will be. Warfare is very 
uncertain, although I do not think there is any immediate 



64 By Force of Impulse, 

dangler. The rebels are fleeing towards the north-west, 
out of our track entirely. The Union forces are but six 
miles to our west. 

Anas. What if they should turn back } What will be- 
come of us .? 

Mor. True ; but I believe the greatest danger is past ! 
The rebels have a determined pursuer, who will not be 
forced back. Grant is not the man to acknowledge defeat. 
He has entered the fight to win, and I have faith in him to 
believe that he will not turn his back upon the rebels until 
he has forced them to submission. 

Anas. Just to think that we might all have been shot 
and cut up — ugh ! It makes my blood run cold. 

Mor. But the danger is not entirely over. The enemy 
is getting desperate. Their suppHes are cut off, and I fear 
some depredation from foraging parties. I must caution 
them not to go out of sight of the house, and not to allow 
Alice out of hearing. It would tear my heart-strings 
should harm come to my darling little Alice. 

Anas. Bless the sweet child ! How she does grow. 
Ah ! brother, she looks more and more like our poor lost 
Alice every day. 

Mor. Anastasia ! I beg of you do not re-open the old 
wound. Revive not the bitter memories of the past, 
which still have power to renew the agony of a father's 
woful loss. \^Turns away.^ 

Anas. Forgive me, brother ! I did not wish to make 
you feel sad. I'm too sympathetic — I'm — I'm — \^She 
sits and cries affectedly. ] 

Mor. There, there ! Don't let us have a scene. John 
is about ready to start for the post-office. If you have 
any letters to send, you will please have them ready. 
I will go and seek my little torment, Alice. [Exit D. R. F.'\ 

Anas. [Takes letter /ro?n pocket and reads it.^ Ah, how 



f 



By Force of Impulse. 65 

he loves the child ! Should anything happen to Alice, it 
would kill him. [Addresses letter?^ George Washington 
Dollerclutch, Esq. There, you brave man ! I'm so afraid 
his lion courage will make him too venturesome. History 
will be full of his great deeds of bravery and valor. But I 
must hasten, or I shall be too late. [Exit D. L. 2 E.'] 

Enter Hilda, D. R. 3 E. She goes to chair R. of table. 

Hil. How cruel is fate ! The friend on whom I had 
based my hopes to help me sustain an honorable recogni- 
tion before the world is debarred, by the cruel require- 
ments of war, from clearing my name of the stain and 
reproach heaped upon it by a designing and depraved 
villain. 

Enter Adrienne, D. R. 3 E. 

Adri. What ! brooding again, Hilda ? Come, cheer 
up ! Put a firm trust in the Almighty, and He will help 
you out of your great trouble. 

Hil. I do ! [Rises. ] But, oh ! it seems so long to 
wait ! 

Adri. Alas, yes ! We are apt to question sometimes, 
if He has deserted us. But, rest assured, Hilda, He is all 
mercy and justice, and will, in His good time, bring the 
balm of peace and joy to the suffering heart. 

Hil. Thanks, my lady ! You have been so good to me. 

Adri. Nay, Hilda ! I deeply sympathize with you in 
your trouble, and I feel assured that your villainous hus- 
band will, some day, meet the punishment he so richly 
deserves. 

Hil. Yes, my lady. How near he came to wrecking 
your happiness, also. It makes me shudder to think of it. 



66 By Force of Impulse, 

Adri. Yes, Hilda ! but Heaven saved me from such a 
fate. It is with shame that I must acknowledge that I 
was so blinded to his real character as to love him. 
Thank Heaven, my eyes have been opened to his treachery 
and baseness. 

Hil. Oh, my lady ! I am so glad to know that you for- 
gave my silence about his true character. 

Adri. I could not blame you, Hilda. It was a bitter 
lesson, and I can only reproach my folly for listening to 
his ardent appeals of love. I thought him a gentleman of 
the highest honor, worthy of the love of a virtuous and 
innocent girl. But your exposure of his utter depravity 
has saved me from despair. It has awakened me to a 
keen sense of the great injustice I have done him who has 
honored me with his name — my husband. Oh, the 
agony I have inflicted upon that noble, trusting heart ! 
Oh, that it was I that drove him from me by my wretched 
cruelty !— perhaps to meet his death upon the gory field of 
battle. 



Enter Morris, door in L. F. He pauses and listens. 

Adri. Oh, may the Heavenly Father spare his life and 
bring him safely back to this bleeding heart. 

Hil. Oh, Adrienne ! then you love him .? 

Adri. Love him, Hilda ! Yea. I worship him. The 
grand nobility of his soul has inspired my heart with the 
strong, undying love of the wife. 

Hil. And does Reginald know of the change of your 
heart ? 

Adri. Alas, no ! Pride — foolish pride — has kept me from 
making the confession to him. 

Hil. Adrienne, let me beseech you, then, to write to him 



By Force of Impulse, 6/ 

at once, and bring- the sunshine of joy to his wretched 
heart. Do not mar your own happiness by withholding 
the true state of your feehngs. Think of your child — your 
darling Alice. Do not deprive her future of the happiness 
of a fathers love. 

Adri. I am so unworthy of him. Can he — will he for- 
give.? [As/de.] His words when he left me — "Perhaps in 
time your feelings may change; if so, the words 'Reginald, 
I love you — come back,' will bring to your side one who 
will forever love you." [To Hilda.] Yes, yes, Hilda, 
you have taught me my duty. 1 will unburden to him my 
heart. Iw/Z/say — "Reginald, I love you — come back." 
[Morris comes forward, Doivn Z. ] 
Mor. God bless you, my daughter ! 
Adri. You here } 

Mor. Forgive me, Adrienne, for being a listener. But I 
am glad, for it has convinced me 'how much I had wronged 
you in my thoughts. It has shown me the true and loving 
heart of a woman — of a true and loyal wife, who can yet 
be a pride to the loving heart of a husband, and a joy in 
the declining years of his Father. I have treated you 
coldly, harshly, unjustly. I knew not the cause — the 
motive of your action. I looked but upon the result. I 
now ask, in all humility and deference, your forgiveness. 
\He kneels to her. ] 

Adri. Rise, most noble sir ! I have naught to forgive I 
I, alone, am to blame. I have merited your censure by 
my conduct. Heaven grant it may not be too late to restore 
to your arms an honored and dutiful son, and to me a 
cherished and beloved husband. 

Mor. [Embraces her.] Adrienne ! [Kisses her forehead.] 
God bless you, my daughter ! [His head droops on her 
shoulder. Adrienne gives her handio Hilda, who takes it in 
both her own. Picture. Whistle scene. ] 



68 By Force of Impulse, 

Scene 2 : Wood Pass in ist Groove. Night. 

Enter Dollerclutch, R. i E., enveloped in cloak. 

Dol. I got safely away without being discovered. The 
camp was wrapped in slumber, not a soul stirring but the 
sentinels. [Looks aroinid. ] If I'm not mistaken, I must 
be near the house. Ah ! some one approaches ! [He 
reli?'es. ] 

Enter Hilda, Z. r F. 

Hil. If Reginald could but return, how happy they 
would be ! I left Adrienne writing to him, pouring out the 
love which will bring joy to his desolate heart. [Sighs.^ 
And there's Henry, her brother ! How my thoughts will 
always revert to him. So manly in his bearing — high in 
the appreciation of true worth. If I only were — but no ! 
I must check the feeling that has sprung up here, [Press- 
ing her heart.] I must not forget that my life is linked 
to another — 

Dol. [Aside.] It's she ! I'm sure it is ! 

Hil. [Alarmed.] What's that! — who's there.'' [Doller- 
clutch com^sybrzf/^rrf. Hilda reJreats,alar?ned.\ 

Dol. Don't be alarmed, my dear girl. Don't you know 
your old friend .'' 

Hil. [Comes forward doubtfully.] Can it be possible.? 
Mr. Dollerclutch.? 

Dol. Yes, my dear girl, your stanch friend, Doller- 
clutch. [ Takes her hand. ] 

Hil. I'm so glad to meet you ! But what brings you in 
this neighborhood ? Perhaps you know — Oh, tell me, sir ! 
Have you any news ? Relieve my suspense, sir ! 

Dol. I have news, and good news — I've discovered all; 
now don't you faint. I've got the record of your marriage 



By Force of hnptilse. 69 

— and I have found your parents. [Hilda gets faint and 
staggers. ] Oh, Lord ! I told you not to faint — what shall 
I do? [He supports her.] 

Hil. [Starting tip.] Tis over, sir ! The sudden joy 
nearly overcame me. 

Dol. Now take a strong grip of your nerves — now do — 
that's a good girl. 1 have not a minute to spare. I must 
get back to camp before my absence is discovered or I shall 
get myself in a tight place. 

Hil. Pardon me, sir ! I will be calm ! 

Dol. That's right! [Takes papers /'ro?n pocket.] Now 
listen ! I haven't the time to tell you how I was success- 
ful — that 1*11 do by letter — but I've got the proofs, and here 
they are. That is the record of your marriage, and this is 
part of a letter from which, I think, I have found out that 
you are the daughter of Morris Maitland. 

Hil. [Staggers.] Mr. Maitland my father .? 

Dol. Now be careful, I tell you ! Don't forget your 
nerves. Now listen to what I say. Take these papers 
and this dress to Morris Maitland. [Hands her papers and 
baby dress.] Tell him your story and I'll stake my life on 
it that he will find a daughter and you a father. 

Hil. How can I ever repay you for your kindness to me.? 
You have raised a burden from my life that was crushing 
me. Heaven bless you, sir ! May you meet the reward 
that your large and magnanimous heart deserves. 

Dol. I haven't got any such heart ! you are mistaken — 
entirely mistaken. My action was in the line of duty — 
purely in duty, without any kindness whatever, do you 
understand ? Now go ! lose not a moment and be careful 
not to lose the papers. [Gently forces her to L. \ E.\ 

Hil. I will, sir ! and Heaven bless you. [Exit L. \ E.] 

Dol. Now, I've got that poor girl happy, now for my 
own happiness. If I could only meet my Anastasia ! Now 



'JO By Force of Impulse. 

why the deuce didn't I ask that gir] to tell her to come out 
a few moments ? George Washington, you're an idiot 
to let a little excitement get away with your head. But 
who comes this way ? [Dollerclutch hides.] 

Enter Ralph, R. i E. 

Ralph. So ! Adrienne must be the magnet which drew 
him from his post of duty. I followed him like a ferret, 
and Tm sure that we are in the neighborhood of his home. 
Curse him, he can walk like a race horse ! I had to run, 
at times, to keep up with him. Go to your Adrienne, you 
vam fool, go to the wife whose heart enshrines another. I 
wish you joy! But I too shall, perhaps, see an opportunity 
to speak to the proud and haughty beauty ! If I do, I'll 
humble her pride — curse her ! [Exit Z. \ E.'\ 

Dol. [Comes forward.'] Ralph Murdell, by the jumping 
jingo ! What brings him to this neighborhood.? No good, 
ril be bound I If he should run across Hilda before she 
gets to the house it might upset all. No ! not while old 
Dollerclutch can prevent it. I'll follow the rascal, and, if 
he as much as attempts to injure a hair of the girl's head, 
I'll treat his black carcass to an ounce of lead. Hang me if 
I don't see this thing through ! [Exit Z. i E. Whistle 
scene. ] 

Scene 3: Same as Scene i. 

kTyKi^^-a^ discovered al fable, L. C, wriling, Alice in crib, 

L. 4 E. 

Adri. {Sealing letter.] 'Tis done at last! With what 
feelings of anxiety shall I count the hours until I have his 
reply ! Will it bring happiness to my longing heart ? Yes, 
yes ! His is a love that time cannot change, nor separation 



By Force of Imptdse. fi 

dim! [Goes to crib, Z. 4 ^. ] How sweetly she sleeps ! 
[She kneels in prayer. ] Heaven preserve my darling child! 
Watch over her with thy faithful love and guidance. 
Guard the father with thy holy protection from the 
dangers of this cruel war, and restore him safely to the 
bosom of his sorrowing family, [Her head droops. After a 
slight pause she gets up hurriedly. ^^ I will take the letter to 
John, so that he will be sure to take it to the post-office the 
first thing in the morning. [Exit Adrienne, D. L. 2 E.'\ 

After a pause Enter Reginald, D. R. F.; he looks around 
eagerly; places his gun against chair, R. 2 E, 

Reg. No one here? How my heart does beat in antici- 
pation of seeing my beloved Alice. [Looks around.^ Oh, 
the bitter memories that haunt my mind at the sight of 
each familiar object ! [Sees crib, L. 4 E. Goes to it eagerly 
and pulls curtain aside.] My child! my Alice ! Heavenly 
Father, I thank Thee ! She sleeps. Oh, Thou being of 
innocence, free from the taint of a deceitful world, I will 
not disturb the peaceful quiet of thy innocent slumber. 
Let me feast my eyes upon my sleeping darling ! [He 
kneels. ] Let the sweet picture of purity and innocence be 
forever hung in the desolate cavern of my bleeding heart, 
safely to guide me to that eternal home where the soul can 
find a haven of peace and rest ! [His head sinks. ] 

Enter Adrienne, door L. 2 E. She goes to R. C. and sees 
Reginald. She is alarmed. 

Adri. What means this .? A stranger ! 

Reg. [Rises suddenly and turns.] Adrienne! [He 
turns away. ] 

Adri. Reginald! [She pauses, with heaving bosom.] 

Reg. I beg your pardon, Adrienne, for this intrusion. 
The impulse to see my child caused me to forsake my post 



^2 By Force of hnpiilse. 

of duty. It led me here to have but one look upon her 
darling form. I have been satisfied and I am ready to 
return to the stern post of duty. ^He turns to go towards 
door in L. F. ] 

Adri. And have you no word for me? [He pauses.] 
Not a look for the mother of your child.? [Reginald 
keeps his back towards her. Adrienne stretches her arms 
towards him. ] Am I so soon forgotten } [He presses his 
broiv. Pause. ] Reginald, I love you ! come back ! 
[Reginald turns suddenly and springs towards her.] 

Reg. Adrienne! [She falls into his arms.] My beloved 
Adrienne ! 

Adri. [After a pause.] Now am I happy, indeed ! My 
prayers have been answered ! 

Reg. Heaven is, indeed, merciful, in bringing this joy 
into my dreary existence ! I fulfilled my duty as a soldier 
more with the desire to die in the service of my country, 
than to live. But now, I enter the fight doubly armed, 
for I now know that I have something more to live for be- 
sides my child — a loving wife. 

Adri. Heaven grant you will be spared to us, Regi- 
nald ! 

Reg. We will put our trust in Him above, who has 
granted me the boon of this happy hour ! Alas that I 
must tear myself away from my new found joy ! But duty 
demands that I return at once to my post. 

Adri. Nay, Reginald, I cannot let you go again. 

Reg. Alas ! Adrienne, you must bear the separation 
calmly, for my sake and for the child's. I left my post 
without permission, and should my absence be discovered 
I shall be court-martialed. A few hours ago I feared not 
the consequences of my rash act. But now I dread it, for 
your sake. I must return at once, while there is yet time. 
Let the thoughts of our child be your strength in my ab- 
sence, as she will be mine in the heat of battle. May the 



By Force of Impulse. 73 

Lord' of Hosts bring this bloody war to a speedy close. 
[Goes to crib. ^ Farewell! my child ! {^Kisses her. ^^ Fare- 
well ! my beloved wife ! \Kisses her. She clings to him.'\ 
Heaven guard and keep you. [Reginald tears himself 
from Adrienne and Exits door L. F. hurriedly, leavi?ig 
his gun behind. Adrienne sinks into chair R. of table. ^ 
Adri. Cruel, cruel fate! \^Her head droops.'\ 

Enter Ralph, door R. F. 

Adri. \^Starts up joyfully.^ Reginald! \^Sees it is 
Ralph. She draws herself haughtily erect. ^^ Ralph Mur- 
dell! 

Ralph. \jComes down R. Sneeringly .'] Even I, Adri- 
enne, your humble servant ! 

Adri. What means this intrusion, sir, at this hour of the 
night .'* 

Ralph. I never had the pleasure of congratulating you 
before on your happy marriage ! 

Adri. Sir, you will oblige me by leaving this house ! 

Ralph. [Aside.] That cut, did it .? [7b Adrienne. J Par- 
don me, madam, but if you will allow me to offer my 
sincere sympathy for your loveless married life 

Adri. Leave this house instantly, or 1 will call assistance 
to eject you forcibly ! 

Ralph. Ha ! ha ! ha ! I made sure there was no one 
about to disturb us ere I entered. 

Adri. What do you mean ? 

Ralph. Just this 1 That there is not a soul within the 
reach of your voice. We are alone. But listen to me, 
Adrienne. I do not wish you harm — on the contrary, I 
offer you happiness. 

Adri. I do not understand you, sir ! 

Ralph. When you married Reginald Maitland, it was 
not because you loved him, but to gratify a feeling of 



74 By Force of Impulse. 

pique. You gave him your hand, but not your heart. 
That belonged to me ! I have watched your husband 
every day and have read the unhappiness and misery that 
he tries to conceal. Adrienne, you are unhappy in the 
bonds that tie you to a loveless life. Therefore, fly v^ith 
me, and I will show you a life's loving devotion — a 
life 

Adri. Enough ! Do not pollute further the sanctity of a 
true and honest husband's roof with the vile utterances of 
depraved villainy. My husband I adore, and I will be 
loyal to him and faithful unto death. Your influence over 
my heart is forever broken, and I would sooner suffer death, 
aye, a thousand times, than to listen to another word from 
you, whom I hate and despise — yea, whom I loathe more 
than a viper in my path ! Go, and may Heaven have 
mercy on your soul ! S^She turns away in majestic con- 
tempt. ] 

Ralph. \^Sees Reginald's gun and takes it.] Curse you ! 
Those words have sealed your doom ! [Ife shoots. Adri- 
enne staggers and /alls.] Ha ! ha ! ha ! Now, my proud 
beauty, perhaps your pride is humbled ! Ha ! ha ! ha ! 
[Looks around cautiously, puts out light, then gropes for 
door. ] 



Enter Dollerclutch, door R. F. 

Dol. [Feeling in the dark.] I'm sure he came this way — 
and that shot ! I'm afraid all is not right. [Runs into 
Ralph.] Ha! [They struggle. Ralph throws Doller- 
clutch from him and escapes through door, R. F. ] Con- 
found it ! He's got away ! But I've got his ring, which 
slipped from his finger into my hand. He shan't es- 
cape — I'll have him yet. [Exit hurriedly, door R. F.] 



By Force of Impulse. 75 

After a pause Enter Reginald, door L. F. 

Reg. The house is dark. Adrienne has retired for the 
night. In the excitement and haste of my departure I 
forgot my gun. [lie feels around in the dark. ] I stood it 
here against a chair ! [Finds it.'] Ah ! It would not do to 
return without it. I feel almost tempted to call Adrienne, 
that I might once more clasp her to my heart — but, no ! 
I have delayed too long already. I will live on the fond 
remembrance of our happy meeting, and pray that the 
day be not far distant when I can feast my heart upon 
the smiles of my beloved wife and child ! [Exit door 
R. F.'\ 

Quick Curtain. 



'J^ By Force of Impulse, 



ACT V. 

Scene i : Camp ; Same as Third Act. 

Table, R. 2 E. Coriolanus on duty as sentinel, L. i E. 
Adolphus in front of tent, C, cleaning gun; Colonel 
MoRRELL, Captain Lowville and Major Murdell at 
table, R. 2 E., in considtation, as curtain rises. 

Colonel Morrell. I agree with you, gentlemen, fully, 
and I have concluded not to advance further until I re- 
ceive more definite news of the movements of the main 
body. We will, therefore, continue in camp till I give you 
further instructions. 

Hen. According to all reports, the rebs are badly crip- 
pled, and Lee cannot hold out much longer. At all 
events, I should not be surprised to hear of his surrender 
to Grant in the near future. 

Mor. Yes, there is all prospect of a speedy ending of 
this bloody strife, and I hope we will soon have peace 
restored, that we may be enabled to return to our homes 
and families ! [About to rise. ] 

Ralph. One moment, Colonel ! before you go ! It is 
with regret that I must call your attention to a private in 
our command who deserted his post as sentinel ! 

Mor. Indeed ! His name ! 

Ralph. Reginald Maitland ! [Henry r/s^s.] 

Mor. [fumps up.'] What! Reginald Maitland.? Impos- 
sible ! 

Ralph. [Rises.] I beg your pardon, Colonel, but it is a 
fact ! 



By Force of Impulse. 77 

Hen. Surely, Major, you must be mistaken : 

Mor. Reginald Maitland— a soldier ever ready to re- 
spond to the call of duty ; always fulfilling- his orders in 
the most praiseworthy manner — he desert his post? 
[^Shakes his Jiead.'] Please explain. Major ! 

Ralph. 'Tis surprising, indeed ! but, nevertheless, a 
fact ! I saw him leave myself — he seemed to be greatly 
agitated. He was absent three hours ! 

Mor. Enough ! Send for him to report to me at once ! 

Ralph. [To Adolphus.] Adolphus ! [Adolphus salutes.^ 
Request Private Maitland to report to Colonel Morrell im- 
mediately ! [Adolphus salutes and goes to tetit, R, 5 ^. ] 

Hen. [^Aside.^ Strange ! What can it mean ? 

Ralph. [Aside.] At last ! 

Enter Reginald from tent; he comes doivn and salutes. 
Ralph, R., Henry, R. C, Col. INIorrell, C, Reglxald, 
L. C, Adolphus, Z. 

Reg. Colonel Morrell, I'm at your service, sir ! 

Mor. Maitland, were you not detailed as sentinel last 
night .? 

Reg. I was, sir ! 

Mor. Did you fulfill your duty to the letter .? [Reginald 
hangs his head.] You are silent ! Speak! 

Reg. Colonel Morrell, it is with shame I acknowledge 
that I have proved unfaithful to my duty — I deserted my 
post, sir ! 

Mor. Maitland, it pains me to know that you, on whose 
honor and probity I would have staked my existence, 
should be guilty of this offense. It is with regret that I am 
obliged to perform the duty which devolves upon me ! 

Reg. Colonel, the offense is a grave one. I have 
merited the punishment it demands. I am ready to re- 
ceive it. 



^8 By Force of Impulse. 

Mor. What was your motive in forsaking duty ?^ 

Reg. It was an uncontrollable impulse to see my child, 
whom I had never seen before, that swayed my being — I 
knew not what I did ! My heart was filled with a mad 
desire to see my child. Duty, honor, all was forgotten. I 
could not resist the longing, the yearning of the father, but 
I followed the impulse which completely overpowered my 
reason. 

Mor. And do you know that the penalty for your 
offense, according to the rules and regulations of war, is 
death ? 

Reg. I do ! and I will not shrink from receiving my pun- 
ishment. I am ready. Colonel, to receive sentence. 

Hen. \Aside.^ As fearless and brave as a lion ! 

Mor. YAside.^ No! I cannot do it ! {To Reginald.] 
Maitland, under the circumstances, and in consideration of 
your past praiseworthy service, and your undaunted 
gallantry in action, I will not execute the punishment 
which the offense merits. 

Hen. {Aside.'] Bravo, Colonel! 

Ralph. {Aside.] Curse his sympathy ! 

Mor. But I cannot let the matter pass unnoticed. I 
place you under arrest for three weeks. You will be con- 
fined in the guard-house under close surveillance. Private 
Softhead, deprive him of his arms and accoutrements, and 
conduct him in disgrace to the guard-house. [Adolphus 
takes Reginald's ^z/7z, etc., and places them on the table.] 

Ralph. {Aside.] How it cuts his proud nature ! 

Hen. {Aside to Morrell.] These are hard lines, 
Colonel ! 

Mor. {Aside to Henry.] Yes, Captain ! I regret it sin- 
cerely ! I never before was obliged to do anything that 
gave me so much pain. But duty, as a true soldier, de- 
manded it ! 



By Force of Impulse. 79 

Adol. [To Reginald.] Right face! Forward march. 
[Exit Reginald ^«^ Adolphus, i?. 4 u^. ] 

Cor. {Looking off L. 2 E.\ Halt! Who goes there.? 
[Voice off eniraitce, ''Friend bearing dispatches for the 
commanding officer."] Advance, and deUver ! [Coriolanus 
g-ets them and hands them to Colonel Morrell.] Colonel, 
allow me ! [He salutes afid retires to his post. ] 

Mor. [Opening dispatches, '] What's this ? Can I believe 
my eyes.? [Reads.] "Adnenne Maitland, the svife of Regi- 
nald Maitland, was found last night, shot in the head. From 
the evidence I have collected, I am satisfied that the hus- 
band is the murderer. I send you the proofs. H. Carson, 
Chief of Police." No ! no ! I cannot believe that that man 
is guilty of such an infamous charge. [To Ralph.] Major! 
read that, and say if that is not the most outrageous lie 
against such an honorable soldier as Reginald Maitland ! 
[Hands liim paper. ] 

Ralph. [Aside.] Ha! ha! ha! Now will I have my 
revenge. 

Hen. How now, gentlemen, have you bad news .? 

Mor. There! [Pointing to paper.] Read for yourself ! 
[Ralph hands Henry paper.] 

Hen. Merciful father! Adrienne killed! [Staggers.] 
My sister shot .? [With force.] Tell me. Colonel, who is 
the cowardly wretch that committed this deed .? [Ralph 
shrugs his shoulders.] 

Mor. [PointiiJg to paper in Henry's hand.] Read! 

Hen. [Looks on paper.] No ! no! no! What! he guilty 
of her murder ! No ! a thousand times no ! I would just as 
readily believe an angel guilty of the crime as I would 
Reginald Maitland ! No ! I will wager my life on his 
innocence ! 

Ralph. [Sneeringly.] But everybody is not likely to 
share your opinion ! 

Mor. [Taking YiY.^'&x by the hand.\ Lowville, I agree 



8o By Force of Impulse. 

with you 1 I cannot believe so noble a character invested 
with so foul a heart I Let us investigate the proofs ! \^He 
unfolds another paper. Reads.] " I inclose the deposition 
of Wiiliam Harding, who swears that he saw Reginald 
Maitland prowling about the premises in a cautious and 
suspicious manner, and that he saw him enter the house 
about half past nine o'clock, which was about the time 
when the deed was committed/' 

Hen. That evidence proves nothing. Colonel. 

Ralph. It is very significant though ! 

Mor. One moment, gentlemen! [Reads.] *' I also in- 
close a piece of blackened paper, evidently the wadding of 
the gun — also a bullet which we found imbedded in the 
wall." [He pulls blackefied paper from envelope — he smells 
if.] The wadding of the gun ! [He smooths it out.] There 
is writing upon it ! H'm ! part of a letter. [Reads.] ''i-l-d 
Alice ! " i-l-d? child Alice, that's it! "loving fath — "' father, 
I suppose — " Morris Mai — "' the rest is burned away. 

Ralph. A letter from his father. [To Henry.] The evi- 
dence is getting strong, Captain, is it not.? [Henry is 
silent.] 

Mor. [Takes bullet fr 0771 envelope.] The fatal bullet! 
[Exa7nines it.] Here are two letters on it, R. M. 

Ralph. Gentlemen, the evidence is conclusive — he is 
guilty. 

Mor. Do not be hasty, Major ! I am not yet satisfied 
of his guilt. [Aside.] I fear the worst. [To Adolphus. ] 
Adolphus ! conduct Private Maitland here at once ! [Adol- 
phus salutes a7id Exits R. ^ E.] 

Ralph. [Aside.] He cannot escape now. 

Hen. [Aside.] Alas ! I fear the result ! 

Enter Reginald a7id Adolphus, R. 4 E. 

Mor. Maitland, I have evidence here which accuses 
you of murder ! 



By Force of Impulse. 8 1 

Reg. ^Recoiling.] iNIurder? I, Colonel? I accused of 
murder? 

Mor. Yes, you ! 

Reg. [Quietly. ] Whom am I accused of murdering- ? 
Mor. Your wife ! 

Reg. [Siaggers.^^ My wife ? — my wife? my Adrienne 
murdered ? — merciful father ! [Pause. IVi/h forced cabn- 
ness.^ I beg your pardon, Colonel, but I pray you make 
me not a victim of such cruel jest ! [IMorrell turns azvay. ] 
No ! no ! Tell me 'tis but a jest — tell me it is not true. Oh, 
Colonel, tell me that my Adrienne lives — lives — lives ! 
[He is silent. To Henry.] Henry, end this suspense, this 
torture. Is Adrienne dead? 

Hen. [Taking his hand.'] Yes, Reginald, it is true ! 
Reg. Alas ! — alas ! [His head droops. Slight pause. 
With force. ] Who — who is the hellish fiend that robbed me 
of my Adrienne ? Tell me, that I might tear his cowardly 
body limb from limb. 

Mor. Maitland, you alone are accused of the crime. [To 
Adolphus. ] Softhead ! you will take down in writing the 
proceedings of this examination. [Adolphus at table R., 
Henry, R. C, Ralph near table, Col. Morrell, C. Regi- 
nald, L. C, Coriolanus, R. To Reginald.] Are you guilty 
or are you not guilty of the murder of your wife, Adrienne 
Maitland ? 

Reg. I murder Adrienne — my wife ? ha ! ha ! ha ! — no ! 
She, in whose happiness my whole soul was wrapped up ? 
No — no * 

Mor. Answer, guilty or not guilty ! 
Reg. Not guilty ! 

Mor. [To Ralph. ] At what hour did he desert his post ? 
Ralph. Eight o'clock ! 

Moi. [To Reginald.] At what hour were you in com- 
pany with your wife? 



82 By Force of Impulse. 

Reg. About nine o'clock ! 

Mor. Did you have your gun with you ? 

Reg. I did ! 

Mor. When did you load it last, and where? 

Reg. Yesterday morning, in my tent ! 

Mor. Did you discharge it since? 

Reg. No, sir ! 

Mor. Is it still loaded.? 

Reg. It is, sir ! 

Mor. Major Murdell, hand me Maitland's gun. [^He ex- 
atJiines it. ] Gentlemen, the gun has been discharged ! ^He 
hands gun hack — he then ha?ids Reginald blackened paper. ] 
Do you recognize that paper } 

Reg. [^Looks at paper.^ I do ! It is part of a letter 
from my father ! I used it for wadding. 

Mor. Do you recognize this bullet? \^Hands it.'] 

Reg. yExa^nines.^^ It is from my mould. 

Mor. Did you have any ill feeling against your wife? 

Reg. None ! 

Ralph. Colonel, I can prove that there has existed bad 
feeling between them since their marriage ! 

Mor. Make your statement ! 

Ralph. They lived unhappily together until an open 
rupture caused him to leave her and enlist in the army. 

Mor. Your proof ! [Ralph /<?/;z/5 /c; Henry. J Lowville, 
do you corroborate Major Murdells assertion? [Henry 
looks (^/Reginald. Henry is silent.'] 

Reg. Speak, Henry ! 

Hen. \_Aside.'\ Must I speak? [^After a ptiuse, to ^Ior- 
RELL. ] I do ! 

Mor. [7b Reginald.] What was liie »ature of the 
rupture ? 

Reg. I decline to answer . 

Ralph. That was his motive for the crime ! 



By Force of Impulse. 83 

Mor. Silence! \^To Reginald.] In the face of the evi- 
dence, I am forced to beUeve you guilty. I regret that a 
soldier such as you have heretofore proved yourself to be, 
should come to such an ignominious end. [Ralph consult- 
ing ivitli others. Henry walks aside.] 

Reg. Do you believe me guilty, Colonel.? [He turns 
from Reglnald.] And do you all think me guilty of this 
cowardly crime.? [They all look away but Henry, who 
takes Reginald by the hand. ] 

Hen. No ! I would believe you innocent, had they ten 
times the evidence. 

Ralph. The evidence has proven his guilt" most con- 
clusively ! 

Mor. [To Reginald.] Have you anything to say why I 
should not pass sentence upon you ? 

Reg. I have not ! 

Hen. Oh, Reginald, why do you not defend yourself? 
Why not make an effort to prove your innocence ? 

Reg. Henry, what have I to live for now ? Adrienne is 
gone from me. She has left the world dark and dreary to 
me. I long to join her there ! [Pomts upward.] 

Hen. Prove your innocence. Let not the stain of mur- 
der rest on your honorable name ! 

Reg. Henry, this is but the judgment of men. I bow to 
the judgment of Him alone who knoweth all things. He 
knows I am innocent — that is sufficient. I am satisfied ! 
His will be done ! [7b Morrell.] Colonel, I await your 
orders ! 

Mor. [Aside.] I would I could believe him innocent. 
The evidence condemns him ! [Sighs.] I must fulfill my 
duty ! [7b Reginald.] Maitland, the evidence that has 
been brought to bear shows conclusively that you are 
guilty ! Nothing remains but for me to pass sentence. I 
therefore condemn you to be shot until you are dead. 



84 By Force of Impulse. 

[Reginald hows his head.] The sentence shall be executed 
immediately. I will allow you five minutes to prepare 
yourself to meet your God ! [Takes out watch. To Ralph.] 
Major ! you will detail your men to execute the order. 
\Kk\j?^ whispers to Coriolanus ^«r/ Adolphus.] 

Hen. [To Reginald.] Reginald, this is terrible ! The 
Colonel has no right to use such haste. The evidence is 
purely circumstantial, and should require deeper investi- 
gation ! 

Reg. Nay, do not blame Colonel Morrell; he has simply 
done his duty. Besides, why should the execution be de- 
ferred 'i Why should I longer drag out a miserable exist- 
ence.? I will soon be happy, Henry, for I shall meet 
Adrienne. But my child, Henry ! my darhng little Alice ! 
Take her, Henry — be a father to her — guide her footsteps 
in the path of honor and virtue. Teach her not to despise 
her father — that he is innocent. Teach her not to listen to 
the sneers of the world, but to place an everlasting faith in 
the Father of us all, so that at the last she will find peace 
and joy in the beautiful realms above ! 

Hen. I accept the trust, Regmald. God grant I will be 
faithful to it. [They shake hajids.] Have you any further 
wishes t 

Reg. Tell my father I am innocent — that will be suffi- 
cient — he will believe me. Now leave me, Henry ! 

Hen. Farewell, my brother! [They embrace.'] Fare- 
well 1 [Reginald kneels a ?no7?ie?it with hoived head in silent 
prayer^ after which he rises zvith a quiet air.] 

Reg. I am ready, Colonel ! [Morrell luaves his hand. 
Adolphus hlifidfolds Reginald, ties his hands behind hint, 
and places him in, position, L. C. Adolphus a7id Coriolanus 
take position on right.] 

Ralph. [Colonel Morrell, i?., Henry, i?. C, Ralph, R. C, 
Coriolanus and Adolphus tip R., Reginald, L. C. Pulls 



By Force of Impulse. 85 

handkerchief from pocket.'] Carry arms ! Ready ! [Holds 
handkerchief at arm's length.] 

Enter Dollerclutch, R. \ E., hurriedly. 

Dol. [C] Hold ! If you shoot that man you commit 
murder ! He is innocent ! 

Mor. [R. C] What mean you ? 

Ralph. Will you allow this interference, Colonel ? 

Mor. Yes ! God forbid that I should shoot an innocent 
man ! [To Dollerclutch.] Your proofs ! 

Dol. My proofs are crushing ! There is no murder ! 
[Reginald ;:)z^//s off handkerchief ] His wife lives. She is 
even now on her way to this camp ! 

Reg. Adrienne lives ? Thanks be to God ! 

Mor. How do you know this ? 

Dol. I overtook her on the road on my way to camp. 
She was almost exhausted, and begged of me to run on 
and save Reginald from being shot for her murder. I did 
so, and here I am, just in the nick of time ! By jingo, I 
feel so good, I could shake hands with the greatest 
scoundrel that ever breathed. [He shakes Ralph's ha7id. ] 

Ralph. Colonel, you surely will not be imposed upon by 
that rascals concocted story .? 

Mor. Silence ! If she is not dead, it was hot the fault 
of the intended murderer. He meant to kill her, and the 
intent is sufficient for which to carry out the penalty ! 

Dol. [R. C] Correct, Colonel ! But tKat man is not the 
one who attempted the murder. I swear that Reginald 
Maitland left the house fifteen minutes before the shot was 
fired. I was watching one whom I know to be the mur- 
derer, prowHng around the house ; but looking after Mait- 
land's departure, I lost sight of the other chap. Some time 
after I heard the shot and rushed into the house and into 
the arms of the attempted assassin, who was trying to es- 



86 By Force of Impulse. 

cape. I struggled to overpower him, but he was too much 
for me. \Ruhs his side and gri7?mces.'] He got away. I 
pursued, but he got off in the darkness. In my eagerness 
to catch him, I fell into the hands of the rebels. 

Mor. And how did you get away from the rebels } 

Dol. This morning, by indomitable bravery and cou- 
rage, I fought my way out of their lines and hastened back 
here to camp. 

Mor. Who is the man that attempted the deed .? 

Dol. The room was dark; the scoundrel had put out the 
light; I could not recognize him ! 

Ralph. [Aside.^ Safe! safe! 

Mor. How do you know, then, that it was not Mait- 
land.? 

Dol. In the struggle, the villain's ring slipped into my 
hand. Here it is. Colonel ! [Morrell fakes and examines 
i/.] Later I also found this shoulder strap hanging to one 
of my buttons. [Morrell hands ring to Ralph. ] Colonel, 
do privates wear these things } 

Ralph. Colonel, here are some letters engraved on the 
seal— R. M. Reginald Maitland ! 

Dol. You lie! R. M.- — Ralph Murdell, and here is where 
this belongs, you cowardly assassin ! \^He claps ihe 
shoulder strap on Ralph's shoulder, which is minus 07ie. ] 

Mor. Men, secure him ! [Adolphus and Coriolanus do 
so. Henry, R., Coriolanus, Ralph aiid Adolphus, R. C, 
Colonel Morrell, C, Dollerclutch fz^z^ Reginald, Z. C] 

Ralph. [To DoLLERCLUTCH.] Curse you for a meddle- 
some hound ! 

Dol. I said I would, and so 1 did, by jingo ! 

Enter Adrienne, R. 4 E., out of breath; her head is hand- 
aged; she is very pale and exhausted. Reginald 
takes C. 
Adri. Reginald, my husband ! 



By Force of Impulse. 87 

Reg. Adrienne ! [She falls in his arms half fainiing.^ 

Adri. Safe ! safe ! You are safe ! 

Reg. Yes, yes, my wife. Heaven is just ! You have 
been spared to me by His great mercy. 

Mor. [^Approaching them. ] Pardon me, Maitland, for 
interrupting. Allow me to ask you one question, Madam } 
[She nods. ] Who was it that fired the shot .? 

Adri. [Pointing to Ralph.] There stands the coward 
who, failing in his effort to make me unfaithful to my true 
and loyal husband, attempted to murder me ! 

Mor. [To Reginald, taking his ]iand.'\ Forgive me, 
Maitland, for entertaining one moment the thought that 
you were guilty of such cowardly villainy ! I have 
wronged you deeply. 

Reg. I have naught to forgive, Colonel ; you have acted 
only as a true soldier, and, had you not done as you did, 
you would have neglected your duty. 

Enter Hilda, R. 4 E. 

Hil. [Z. C , /6> Adrienne. ] You are safe, Adrienne. You 
rushed from the house in your frantic excitement. I feared 
your mind was wandering. 

Adri. Nay, Hilda! When I learned that my husband 
was accused of my supposed murder, I dreaded the 
consequences, and determined to save him ere it was too 
late. 

Hil. They knew not where you had fled. But I knew 
where your heart would lead you, and I followed. 

Hen. [Aside.\ What a wealth of true womanly feeling 
is hidden by her quiet demeanor ! [To Hilda.] Will you 
be kind enough to enlighten us, how it was that we re- 
ceived news from the Chief of Police that Adrienne was 
murdered } 



88 By Force of Impulse, 

Hil. When we found her last night, we supposed her to 
be dead, until this morning I thought I detected 'signs of 
Hfe. I begged of them to summon a physician at once. 
He pronounced her aHve, but in a death-Hke stupor. 
After hard work she was restored to consciousness. Ex- 
amination of her wound showed that the bullet had only 
grazed the head, inflicting a scalp wound, but sufficient to 
effectually stun her. 

Hen. Kind Providence turned the bullet s fatal course, 
but it was almost the means of bringing a noble life to an 
ignominious end. {^Poinimg to Reginald. ] 

Hil. Have you discovered the real culprit.? 

Hen. Yes ! he is there ! {Points to Ralph. ] 

Hil. {Stagge7's.\ Ralph! — my husband .^^ 

Hen. Your husband } Is that man your husband.? 

Hil. Alas ! yes ! With what feelings of loathing must I 
make the acknowledgment. 

Ralph. Bah ! you she-devil ! I never married you — 
you were only a mistress ! 

Dol. You lie, you black-hearted villain ! 

Hil. [Producing papers. ] You could ruin my character 
in the eyes of the world did I not possess this ! [Holding 
paper aloft. ] The record of my marriage to you. [Ralph 
recoils. ] 

Dol. [To Ralph.] And I was the individual who saved 
that girl from your base villainy ! I — do you understand ? 
—I! 

Ralph. Curse you 1 

Hen. [Aside.^ Alas for my hopes ! 

Enter Morris and Anastasia, R. 4 E. 

Anas. [Goi7ig to Adrienne and embracing her.] You 
dear child ! How glad I am that we've found you at last ! 



By Force of Impulse, 89 

Mor. Heaven be praised, my daughter, I find you safe. 
\^He embraces Reginald. ] My son ! 

Reg. Father ! 

Mor. I am overjoyed at this happy union of loving 
hearts. [Tb Hilda.] AHce, my child! [Beckons her to 
come. To Reginald. ] Reginald, God has been merci- 
ful to restore to us your lost sister — my darling daughter, 
Alice ! 

Reg. My sister .? 

All. Your daughter .? 

Mor, Yes ! my daughter ! [Embraces her. ] After 
many years of suffering and anguish has Heaven sent me 
the joy that I thought was buried in the past. [Takes 
DoLLERCLUTCH by the hand.] Here is the instrument of 
Providence who saved an innocent girl and brought happi- 
ness to a father s heart. [Hilda converses with Henry. ] 
Bless your kind heart ! How can I ever repay you .? 

Dol. Tut ! tut ! tut ! I acted only on business — only on 
business, sir! — do you understand.? Entirely on business 
— without any kindness whatever. I am more than repaid 
when I see the happiness and joy that surrounds me ! [He 
goes to Anastasia. Up L. C. ] 

Mor. That man's father [pointing to Ralph] was the 
wretch who stole the child from our parental bosom ! His 
father and I aspired for the hand of the same lady — 1 was 
the successful one. He, being of a very passionate and 
revengeful nature, darkened our domestic bliss by stealing 
from the cradle our youngest child, Alice ! I did not think 
I had an enemy in the world who could be guilty of such 
baseness, until last night I received the proof which exposed 
him and restored to me a daughter. All doubts of her 
identity were removed by the discovery of a mole 
behind her left ear, which we remembered our child's 
having. 



go By Force of Impulse. 

Morrell. I congratulate you, sir, upon your new found joy! 
The mills of justice grind slowly sometimes, but they 
are sure. Righteousness and truth will always receive 
its blessed reward. \To Coriolanus and Adolphus.] Men, 
remove the depraved scoundrel to the guard house and 
see that he is strongly guarded. [ They do so. Exit 
Ralph, Coriolanus ajtd Adolphus, 7?. 2 £.] It is a pity to 
mar the happiness of this hour with the presence of such a 
vile and cowardly rascal! [To Reginald.] Maitland, in 
consideration of the terrible mistake and injustice by 
which I almost sacrificed your life, I hereby revoke the 
order for your disgrace and restore you to honorable rec- 
ognition by promoting you to the position of Major ! 

Hen. Bravo, Colonel ! 

Dol. Good ! your heart is in the right place, Colonel ! 
[Aside.] And so is mine ! [Turning- to Anastasia. ] 

Reg. [Taking Morrell hy the hand.] Thanks, Colonel, 
thanks ! 

Morrell. Do not thank me, Maitland; you are more than 
deserving. Had you accepted promotion before when it 
was offered, for your gallant conduct and bravery on the 
field, you would long since have been even my superior 
officer. [A shot IS heard.] What's that.? [All are alarmed 
and look off entrance. ] 

Enter Adolphus and Coriolanus, R. 2 E. 

Adol. [R.] He's done it. Colonel ! — he's done it I 

Morrell. Done what .? Who .? 

Adol. Ralph IMurdell ! He pulled a revolver and shot 
himself through the head. 

Cor. Yes ! His rash act has precipitated him into eter- 
nity — he's dead I 

Morrell. [Shrugs his shoulders. ] Well, he has only saved 
me the stern duty of condemning him to such a fate. 



By Force of Impulse, 91 

Hen. [Aside.'] His act has freed Hilda from the yoke 
of misery and despair. [Commotion outside. Voices heat'd 
crying "Hurrah !" in the distance.] 

Morrell. What means this excitement? DoUerckitch, go 
and learn the cause! [Exit Dollerclutch, L. 2 E.^ 
hastily. ] They are yelling hurrah ! There must be 
some good news from the front. They seem wild with 

joy I 

Re-enter Dollerclutch, Z. 2 E. 



Dol. [Rushing aj-ound excitedly.] Hurrah ! hurrah ! 
hurrah ! 

Morrell. [Stopping hitjt.] Give us the news. 

Dol. Hurrah ! The war is over ! Lee has surrendered 
to Grant ! 

Omnes. Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah! [Wild excitement and 
joy.] 

Reg. [Emh7'acing Adrienne. ] Then is our happiness 
complete. We shall never part again. 

Dol. And I will, at last, leave my bachelorhood and 
worship at the shrine of my charming Anastasia ! 

Anas. [Falls in his arms. ] You dear man ! 

Cor. [Aside.] She throws true nobility aside [/'(9z>z//;?^/(? 
hi7?iself] for such a presumptuous old fool ! Oh ! woman ! 
woman ! [Sighs deeply a?id walks aside.] 

Hen. [Leading Hilda /brward. To Morris.] If you 
will allow me, let me add my joy to the already o'er- 
flowing cup ! Hilda has — [Hilda pidls his coat.] I beg 
your pardon — Alice has promised to administer to my 
future joy, with your permission ! 

Morris. [Joi?is their hands.] Bless you, my children! 

Adri. [To Reginald.] Dearest Reginald! The joy I 
have found in thf" new born love for my noble husband 



92 By Force of Impulse. 

will make me never regret that it was by ^ force of 
impulse that I was led to accept your heart and hand ! 

Reg. Let the agony of the past be buried in the joy of 
the present. [Tb audience.^ And if you will forgive 
the impulse that led me from my post of duty, there 
will not be a cloud to obscure the sunshine of our future 
happniess. 

Morrell. The end has justified the act. 

Dol. I, too, have left my post of duty — but let the result 
be an extenuation of my desertion. 

yiovT€^. \Takes him hy hand, \ Yes! I overlook it freely ! 
and I feel satisfied that He, who watches over us all, will 
not censure us for being led by force of impulse ! 



Tableau. 






Morris. 


Reg. 




Col. M. 


Adri. 




Henry. 




Anas. 


Hilda. 




DOLLER. 


Adol. 




CORIO. 


R, C 




Z. 


Curtain. 







NEW PLAYS. 

PRICE 15 CEXTS EACH. 

THE TRIPLE WEDDING. 

A Dr.\M-\, in Three Acts, by Charles E-vr-vard. 

Four male, four female characters — Leading juvenile man, comic old man, 
first and second comedians ; leading juvenile lady, two walking ladies and ser- 
vanL Plain room scene ; modem costumes. 

The plot is novel and ingenious, the situations well worked out, and the interest 
continuous. 

Synopsis.— Act I., The Trust ; Act II., The Search ; Act III., The Wedding. 
Time of f>erioniiance, one hour and a quarter. 



SECOND SIGHT; OR, YOUR FORTUNE FOR A DOLLAR. 

A Farcical Comedy, in One Act, by Bernard Hereert. 

Four male and one female characters — Light comedian, low comedian. Irish- 
man. Mexican nobleman and juvenile lady. Scene : A Clair\oyant's Parlor in 
New York. Time of playing, one hour. 

The frantic enorts of'Mr. Birdwhistle, a timorous music teacher, to escape the 
fui-v of Don Fiasco de Caramba, an untamed Mexican ; the dismal predicaments 
of £)ionysius O. Rourke and the clairvoyant scenes will keep the audience in a 
continuous ripple. Compianies in search' of a serious piece should not select this 
play. ' 

WANTED : A CONFIDENTIAL CLERK. 

A Farce, :n One Act, by W. F. Ch.apman. 

Six male characters, z-iz.: Eccentric old man, with a partialiiy for proverbs ; 
Irishman, '-dude,'"' shabby genteel comedian, talkative " 5fx>rt,"'and clerk- Xo 
scenery required. Time of playing, thirty minutes. 

A capital farce, containmg' none but "star" parts, with scope for easv char- 
acter acting, racy dialogue, funny situations and comical ''business." 



A LESSON IN ELEGANCE. 
A Comedy in One Act, by Bekn.ard Herbekt. 
Four female characters — A butterfly of fashion, comic sei^ant, old lady and 
unsophisticated young widow. The scene (interior is laid at Newport in the 
height of the seas'on. 

Consists purely of light comedy, is bright and brisk in action, with plenty- of 
"business," and has a cUnou^Tnmt as unexpected as it is welcome. The plavcan 
be effectively staged and costumed, if desired. Time of representation, thirty' 



nunutes. 



BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. 

A Dr>_va, in Fn-E Acts, ev H. V. Vc<rr. 

Nine male and three female characters, z-.z.: Lradir.? and second juvenile 
men, old man, genteel \-illain, walking gentleman, firs: ar.i secon i lii'r.: comedians, 
hea^-^• character, low comedian, leading and second "^ jvenile ladies and comic old 
maid. 

A thoroughly good drama, worthy of the best talent. The action takes place 
during the j>ericKi of the late civil ^-ar, the scene being laid partlv in the armv. 
Well adapted to the use of G. A. R. posts, though not confined to t£em in interest. 
The plot is interesr.ng and well developed; thie situations are striking; the 
" business "' is effective, and every tableau will fetch an eyicore. Time of representa- 
tion, two hours and a halL 

Copies of any of the above Plays will be mailed, j>ost-paid, to any address, on 
receipt of the price. 

HAROLD ROORBACK, PubUsher, 
9 MURRAY STREET, XEW YORK. 



ROORBACH'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 43 

Illustrated Y^bleaux^ 

FOR AMATEURS. 



PNKW scries of Tableaux Vlvants, by Martha C. Weld. In this 
series each description is accompanied with a full page illustra- 
tion of the scene to be represented. The introduction of Part I. 
is the most complete and practical treatment of the subject ever writ- 
W\\. The books are the best of the kind published, and should be in the 
hanils of everybody about to arrange an entertainment of this kind. 

XOW RBAPY, 

PART I.— MISCELLANEOUS TABLEAUX.— Contains Gen- 
eral Introduction, 12 Tableaux and 14 Illustrations. Price, 25 Cents. 

PART II.—MISCELLANEOUS TABLEAUX.— Contains In- 
troduction, 12 Tableaux and 12 Illustrations. Price, 25 Cents. 

A Few Opinions. 

"Excellent Manuals." — Rook Chat. 

"Two Pretty Little Volumes." — Cincinnaii Inquirer. 

"Admirably suited for the purpose intended." — Albany At\^us. 

" Mrs. Weld is a well known adept in this kind of entertainment." — New York 
Evangelist. 

"These small volumes form a complete assistant to any one desirous of giving 
tableaux." — St. luuiis RiJ>ublican. 

"They will be helpful to young people preparing this j)leasant method of 
entertainiijent." — Christian JRtg'ister. 

" Will be of much practical use and value to schools and persons interested in 
social amusements for cluirch or liome." — N. V. School Journal. 

"They will be of service for private entertainments. The directions as to 
dress and posing are full, and the illustrations will be very helpful." — Hart/ord 
Courant. 

"They contain all the directions which can possibly be necessary to enable a 
company of amateurs to successfully present a nuinljer of tableaux of a varied 
character." — Troy Times. 

" When we finisheil the second we wished we had a couple more. They are as 
indispensable to the amateur as a salary and a return ticket are to the profes- 
sional." — J'uck. 

" .\s there is just now a revival of the olden time amusement of tableaux, these 
two little volumes conu- in just at the right time. Nothing pertaining to tableaux 
has been tor^ottru or left out. To persons interested in this kind 01 amusement, 
the little books will prove invaluable." — //no Orleans Ticayunt: 

"To any one who contemplates indulging in tableaux, these little books of Mrs. 
Weld's will be nivaluable. So clearly dors she explain the minutia', that a man- 
ager under her guidance mav feel all'the conlidence which experience can bring. 
The writer is especially explicit in slunving how the eHects of scenery and costume 
may be secured with the simplest of material, so that the degree of expense may 
be made a nuitter of c\\o\cl\"— Buffalo Express. 



ROORBACH'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 



46 



MISCEI.I.ANEOUS G0008. 



S^ An illnstrated descriptive price list of iniscellaneous articles. Wigs, Beards, 
etc., and Scenery, will be sent to any address on receipt of a stamp. "^^ 



Lightning for Private Theatricals.. go 25 

" Flash Box 50 

Colored Tableau Lights 25 

" " Fire, per lb 1 75 

" " " " by Exp. I 50 

Magnesium Lights 25 

Carmine 30 

Dutch Pink 25 

Ruddy Rouge 30 

Mongolian 30 

Fuller's E^rth 30 

Burnt Cork 40 

Paste Powder 30 

Nose Putty 25 

Lip Rouge, domestic 25 

" imported 40 

Clown White 40 

Dry Whiting 25 

Powdered Antimony 30 

" Blue 25 

Spirit Gum 30 

Email Noir 30 

Joining Paste 25 

Moustache Masks 15 

Water Cosmetique 25 

Cocoa Butter 25 

SIS' Canvas Scenery is delivered by Express only. Paper Scenes and the Make-up 
Boxes can be sent by mail at a slightly increased expense for postage, ^©ft 



Multiform Cream $0 50 

" Powder 25 

Artist's Stomps 15 

Hares' Feet 50 

Powder Puffs 25 

Miniature Puffs 15 

India Ink 10 

Lining Brushes 5 

Cosmetique 25 

Rouge de Theatre 25 

Blanc de Perle 25 

Hair Powder 50 

Eyebrow Pencils 25 

Bleu pour Veins 75 

Fard Indien 75 

Make-up Boxes $1-50, 4.00 and 5 00 

Grease Paints, 30 tints, 8 in. sticks: 

Flesh Colors 35 

Lining Colors 20 

Grease Paints, set of 9 necessary 

colors I 00 

Scenery, Printed on Paper, per 

set $7 50 to 12 00 

Scenery, Painted on Canvas, per 

set $8 00 to 75 00 



THEATRICAI. WIGS. 



LADIES' 

Court $6 00 

Ringlet 5 50 

Frou-Frou 5 50 

Bourgeoise 7 50 

Peasant Girl 7 50 

Mother-in-Law 5 50 

Witch -..- 3 75 



WIGS. 

Short Curly $5 50 

" with Parting 6 25 

Plain Long Hair 7 50 

Wig made up in Present Fashion . 5 00 

Wench 500 

Frontals 2 00 



46 



ROORBACH'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 



Court Wig, with Bag or Tie $4 00 

Rip Van Winkle 4 00 

Peasant 4 00 

Monk 4 00 

Judge 7 50 

Bald 4 00 

Comic Bald 4 00 

Chinaman . 3 00 

Crop 400 

Press 4 00 



GENTLEMEN'S WIGS. 

Indian f 3 50 

Fright ^, 5 00 

Irish 4 00 

Yankee 4 00 

Flow 5 00 

Scalp 2 00 

Negro I 00 

" Extra Quality i 50 

" White or Grey i 50 

" with Top Knot 150 



BBAROS, l^HISKERS & MOUSTACHBS 



Full Beai'd, without Moustache, on Wire #1 75 

" " " Ventilated ► 250 

" with " on Wire 2 00 

" " " Ventilated 275 

Side Whiskers and Moustache on Wire i 50 

Short Side Whiskers on Wire 75 

" " " Ventilated 100 

Mutton Chop Whiskers, Ventilated i 50 

Chin Beard, Ventilated i 00 

Moustaches on Wire 35 

" Ventilated 40 

Imperials 25 

Throat Whiskers 75 



l^IGS ANO BBAROS TO RENT. 



For terms and discounts see separate list, which will be mailed to any address 
on receipt of a stamp. 



BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. 

J^ DRA.N4A IM KIVE: AoXS, BY H. V. VOOX. 



Price, 15 Cents* 



Vine male, three female characters, viz.: Leading and Second Juvenile iAeu, 
0\d Man, Genteel Villain, Walking Gentleman, First and Second Light Comedians, 
Heavy Character, Low Comedian, Leading and Second Juvenile Ladies and Comic 
Old Maid. Time of playing, Two hours and a half. 

SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. 



Act I. LovB vs. Impulse.— DoUer- 
clutch's office. — A fruitless journey, a 
heap of accumulated business and a 
chapter of unparalleled impudence. — 
News from the front. — A poor girl's 
trouble and a lawyer's big heart.— Hil- 
da's sad story. — *' I '11 see this thing 
through if it costs me a fortune ! "—A 
sudden departure in search of a clue — 
The meetmg of friends. — One of nature's 
Boblemen.— Maitland betrays his secret 
by a slip of the tongue. — The ball at 
Beachwood. — ^Two spooneys.fresh from 
college.lose their heads and their hearts. 
— "Squashed, by Jupiter!' — Trusting 
innocence and polished villainy. — ^I'he 
interrupted tryst. — An honest man's 
avowal. — A picture of charmmg simpli- 
city. — Murdell and Hilda meet face to 
face. — "I dare you to make another 
▼ictim !" — ^A scoundrel's discomfiture. — 
Tableau. 

Act n. The Separation.— The Mait- 
land homestead. — Anastasia's doubts. — 
A warm welcome and its icy reception. 
— Forebodings and doubts. — Father and 
son. — Searching questions.— A domestic 
storm and a parent's command. — A 
foiled villain's wrath. — Enlisting for the 
war. — ^The collapse of the cov/ards. — 
*' It 's no use, 'Dolphy, the jig 's up !" — 
Hilda's sympathy and Adrienne's silent 
«lespair. — The result of impulse. — The 
father pleads for his son. — Anastasia 
and Dolierclutch. — Coriolanus comes to 
grief. — Good and bad news. — Husband 
and wife. — Reginald demands an ex- 
planation. — A nand without a heart. — 
The separation. — A new recruit. — ^Too 
late; the roll is signed. — Tableau. 

Act III. Duty vs. Impulse. — Four 
years later. — A camp in the army. — 
Longings. — "Only six miles from 
home !" — The skeleton in the closet. — 
A father's yearning for his child. — A 
woman-hater in love. — Dollerclutch's 
iream. — A picture of camp life and fun. 
— Coriolanus has his revenge. — News 
from home. — Dolierclutch makes a big 
find. "Eureka!" — Proofs of Hilda's 
jMU-entage and marriage.— A happy old 



lawyer. — " I 'II take them to Hilda ! " — 
Detailed for duty. — A soldier's tempta- 
tion. — The sentinel deserts his post. — 
The snake in the grass. — "At last, I can 
humble his pride ! " 

Act IV. The Reconciliation and 
Sequel. — At Reginald's home. — News 
from the army. — " Grant is not the man 
to acknowledge defeat!" — Adrienneand 
Hilda. — False pride is broken. — The re- 
conciliation. — " V/ill Reginald forgive 
me?" — Dolierclutch brings joy to Hil- 
da's heart. — "You are the dliughter of 
Morris Maitland !" — The stolen docu- 
ments and the snake in the grass. — 
"Hang me if I dun't see this thing 
through !" — A letter to the absent one. — 
Face to face. — The barrier of pride 
swept down. — "Reginald, I love you; 
come back!" — ^The happy reunion.— An 
ominous cloud. — "I have deserted my 
po&t ; the penalty is death. I must re- 
turn ere my absence is discovered !" — 
The wolf in the sheepfold. — A wily 
tempter foiled. — A villain's rage. — 
"Those words have sealed your doom !" 
— The murder and the escape. — 
Dolierclutch arrives too late. — The pur- 
suit. 

Act V. Divine Impulse. — In camp. — 
Maitland on duty. — The charge of de- 
sertion and the examination. — "I knew 
not what I did !" — The colonel's lenity. — 
Disgrace. — News of Adrienne's murder 
is brought to camp. — Circumstantial 
evidence fastens the murder iipon Reg- 
inald. — The court-mardal. — Convicted 
and sentenced to be shot. — Preparations 
for the execution. — ' God knows I am 
innocent ! " — Dolierclutch arrives in the 
nick of time. — "If you shoot that man 
you commit murder!" — The beginning 
of the end.— "Adrienne lives!" — A vil- 
lain's terror. — Adrienne appears on the 
scene. — " There is the attempted assas- 
sin !" — Divine impulse. — The reward of 
innocence and the punishment of vil- 
lainy. — Good news. — " Hurrah, the war 
is over; Lee has surrendered to Grant!" 
— The happy denouement ^n6. finale. — 
Tableau. 



Copies mailed, post-paid, to any address on receipt of the advertised price. 

Hi^ROIvD ROORBACH, Piiblishier, 

9 nURRAV STT,, IHie^W YORK. 



-/ -;- 



V-.'> 



THE ETHIOPIAN DRAMA. 



X Robert Make-Airs, 
s Box and Cox. 

3 Mazeppa. 

4 United States Mail. 

5 The Coopers. 

6 Old Dad's Cabin. 

7 The Rival Lovers. 
3 The Sham Doctor. 
9 Toll'/ Millers. 

10 Villikins and his Dinah. 

11 The Quack Doctor. 

12 The Mystic Spell. 

13 The Black Statue. 

14 Uncle Jeff. 

15 The Mischievous Nigger. 

16 The Jilack Shoemaker. 

17 The Magic Penny. 

18 The Wreck. 

19 Oh, Hush ; or, The Vir- 

ginny Cupids. 

20 The Portrait Painter, 

21 The Hop of Fashion. 

22 Bone Squash. 

23 The Virginia Mummy. 

24 Thieves at the Mill. 

25 Comedy of Errors. 
a6 Les Miserables. 

27 New Year's Calls. 

28 Troublesome Servant. 
39 Great Arrival. 

30 Rooms to Let. 

31 Black Crook Burlesque. 

32 Ticket Taker. 

33 Hypochondriac. 

34 William Tell. 

35 Rose Dale. 

36 Feast. 

37 Fenian Spy. 

38 Jack's the Lad. 

39 Othello. 



PRICE 15 CENTS EACH 

40 Camille. 

41 Nobody's Son. 

42 Sports on a Lark, 

43 Actor and Singer. 

44 Shylock. 

45 Quarrelsome Servants. 

46 Haunted House. 

47 No Cure, No Pay. 

48 Fighting for the Union. 

49 Hamlet the Dainty. 

50 Corsican Twins. 

51 Deaf — in a Horn. 

52 Challenge Dance. 

53 De Trouble begins at 

Nine. 

54 Scenes at Gumey's. 

55 16,000 Years Ago. 

56 Stage-struck Darkey. 

57 Black Mail. 

58 Highest Price for Old 

Clothes. 

59 Howls from the Owl 

Train. 

60 Old Hunks. 

61 The Three Black Smiths. 

62 Turkeys in Season. 

63 Juba. 

64 A Night wid Brudder 

Bones. 

65 Dixie. 

66 King Cuffee. 

67 Old Zip Coon. 

68 Cooney in de Hollow. 

69 Porgy Joe. 

70 Gallus Jake. 

71 De Coon Hunt. 

72 Don Cato. 

73 Sambo's Return. 

74 Under de Kerosene. 

75 Mysterious Stranger. 



THE AMATEUR AND VARIETY STAGE. 



76 De Debbil and Dt 

Faustum. 

77 De Old Gum Game. 

78 Hunk's WlBding Day, 

79 De Octoroon. 

80 De Old Kentucky HonKs. 

81 Lucinda's Wedding. 

82 Mum bo Jum. 

83 De Creole Ball. 

8 Mishaps of Caesar Crum. 

85 Pete's Luck. 

86 Pete and Ephraim« 

87 Tube Hawkins. 

88 De Darkey's Dream. 

89 Chris. Johnson. 

90 Scippio Africanus. 

91 De Ghost ob Bon* 

Squash. 

92 De Darkey Tragedian. 

93 Possum Fat. 

94 Dat Same Ole Coon. 

95 Popsey Dean. 

96 De Rival Mokes. 

97 Uncle Tom. 

98 Desdemonum. 

99 Up Head. 

100 De Maid ob de Hunk- 

puncas. 
loi De Trail ob Blood. 

102 De Debbil and de 

Maiden. 

103 De Cream ob Tenors. 

104 Old Uncle Billy. 

105 An Elephant on Ice. 

106 A Manager in a Fix. 

107 Bones at a Raffle. 
io3 Aunty Chloe. 
109 Dancing Mad. 
no Julianna Johnson. 
Ill An Unhappy Pair. 



PRICE 15 CENTS EACH. 



Afloat and Ashore. 

Aladdin and the Wonderful 

Lamp. 
All's Fair in Love and War. 
Bad Temper, A 
Babes in the Wood, The 
Blue- Beard; or, Female 

Curiosity. 
Caught in his own Toils. 
Closing of the " Eagle." 
Dark Deeds. 
Eligible Situation, An 
Fairy Freaks. 
Fireside Diplomacy. 
Frog Prince, The 
Furnished Apartments. 
Girls of the Period, The 
Happy Dispatch, The 
Harlequin Little Red Riding 

Hood. 
Harvest Storm, The 
His First Brief. 
Ingomar (Burlesque). 
Jack, the Giant-Killer. 
Last Drop, The 

A ny o/the above 



Katherine and Petruchio 

(Burlesque). 
Last Lilly, The 
Little Red Riding Hood. 
Little Silver Hair and the 

Three Bears. 
Love (Burlesque). 
Loves of Little Bo-Peep ami 

Little Boy, The 
Lyrical Lover, A 
Marry in Haste and Repent 

at Leisure. 
Matched, But Not Mated. 
Maud's Command. 
Medical Man, A 
Mischievous Bob. 
Mortsteur Pierre. 
Mothers and Fathers. 
Out of the Depths. 
Penelope Ann. 
Pet Lamb, The 
Poisoned Darkies, The 
Result of a Nap, The 
Robin Hood : or, The Merry 

Men of Sherwood Forest. 



Slighted Treasures. 
Three Temptations, The 
Tragedy I'ransraogrified. 
Two Gentlemen at Mivwt**. 
Virtue Victorious. 
Wearing of the Green, 
Wine Cup, The 
Women's Rights. 
Wrong Battle, The 

VARIETY. 
All in der Familv. 
Big Bananna, The 
Decree of Divorce, The 
Dot Mad Tog. 
Dot Quied Lotchings. 
Dot Matrimonial Advertis»- 

ment. 
Gay Old Man am I, A 
Leedle Misdake A 
Mad Astronomer, A 
Lonely PoUywog of the Mill 

Pond, The 
Mulcahy's Cat. 
Ould Man's Coat Tails, The 
Spelling Match, The 



will be sent by mail on receipt o/the price ^ by 



P. O, Box 3410. 



HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, 

Succesaor to Boobbacb k Qdhfant. 

9 Murray Street, New York, 



^^./ < 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





^f?S 



■<--^. 



